Royal Taj
8874 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD, 21045
Royal Taj Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
8874 McGaw Rd
Columbia, MD, 21045 - Phone (410) 381-1111
- Website https://royaltajmd.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Yaofu Z.
I went for lunch buffet. It is usually packed during lunch hours and we made a point to arrive early to avoid the wait. They opened at 11:30 and we arrived about 11:45. Soon after we arrive, there starts to have a waiting crowd. The decoration is very nice and I like the crystal glass they use for water. I am not an expert on Indian food menu, but I like what they have. There are salad, rice, vegetarian options and different chicken dishes. Most of them have a balanced flavor. The color of some dishes may look odd, but their flavors are somewhat mild in my opinion. The manager is quite friendly and made a point to greet us at the table to make sure everything is OK. It seems there are a lot of regulars, as the manager knows them well. Overall, decent food with good service.
(5)Courtney C.
Everyone rants and raves about this restaurant. My hubby loves Indian food so I suggested we meet him there when he was working late one night. He was late but they happily sat my son and I near a window and were so kind to my boy. The pineapple juice comes with pieces of fruit on the rim. My little man thought it was so cool. We snacked on the crispy lentil bread and never felt rushed. I was impressed with the wait staff and how clean the restaurant was. I ordered the tandoor shrimp and my husband had the chicken tiki masala. The food was good. My shrimp were huge prawns. The veggies were lacking. Two tiny pieces of pepper and a couple onion slices. My husbands portion was also on the small side. For the price, I expected a bit more food. Don't expect leftovers!
(4)Lulu P.
So good! We went there tonight and there was food crowd, which is surprising because it's a Tuesday. I got the chicken korna and my husband got the mango chicken and garlic naan, all very good!! The rice was different and went great with the chicken. The owner came over and offered us a complimentary glass of wine. We also got a complimentary dessert. Great service and customer service. Will be back
(5)Aaron Z.
Not a bad place to go if you are looking for an introduction to Indian food. The place is a little small and was crowded for lunch and it took about 15 minutes to get a table there. The decor is unique and nicely matches the "Royal Taj" name. The lunch buffet had a good variety of food. For the price and if you have never had Indian food before this is a good deal. This would be a go to place for me if I wanted India food and lived close by. For 12 bucks not a bad lunch deal buffet.
(3)Chris P.
I went with some of my friends/coworkers from a recent project, who highly recommended this place. But.... You HAVE to get there early for lunch because once it starts filling up, the line gets long quick! But even if you come during the worst of the wait, it is well worth it! It is a truly wonderful place, great food. I only ever had the buffet, but all of the vegetarian dishes were excellent! There are some meat dishes too. I did not try them but coworkers who had them said they were super. The owner/host greets everyone who comes in. Males get a big hand-slap handshake, like you are a long lost friend from years ago, who ran with him into all sorts of trouble when you were kids together. It's just an excellent place and the vibe is very high. A great place, really great, try it, you will love it!
(5)Didi M.
Hands-down, for food, service, wine list and ambience, the BEST Indian cuisine and dining experience in Columbia. owner Bhinda is amazing.
(5)Steve H.
Fantastic food is only part of the appeal of this place. We came with a group of 8. The owner came out and greeted us and stayed to chat for a bit. It wasn't one of those "Welcome to Subway"s that employees yell when you enter a certain fast food joint - it was a genuine greeting. He came over several times to talk to us during our meal. Wouldn't this world be a better place if everyone were like that? The food - samosas were incredible and the size of a baseball. The rice couldn't have been cooked better - perfect. I had the chicken chilli (medium spicy) which was really tasty and again cooked spot on. If you like Indian food, go and chow down. If you don't like Indian food then go and give it a try. You'll be a fan.
(5)Kathleen R.
First went to Royal Taj for dinner two years ago and loved it. Back in town again and talked son into a second visit. A waiting line at the door but because we were just two, they took us right to a table. Beware, waiters speak little or no English. We managed anyways and when needed more understanding, spoke to the manager whose English is perfect. Ordered an appetizer and our main courses, and I asked for a Mango Lassi. My samosas (filled with potatoes and peas) came quickly, but no Lassi. Manager stopped by to see how everything was going so far. Son mentioned the Lassi; manage saw to it that it arrived posthaste and comp'd it! Also, comp'd us each a glass of wine. If you read other Yelp reviews of Royal Taj, you'll see that the manager is big on comp'ing glasses of wine, desserts and an occasional lassi. He's a very personable fellow and has excellent people skills. Samosas were delicious--two huge ones for only $5.95. I took one home. My Chicken Tikka Masala (I always order that in Indian restaurants!) was delicious, tomatoey, creamy and loaded with chicken. Lots of rice for both of us. I took enough of my entree home for lunch the following day. When we were seated, there was already papadam (thin, crispy dough) speckled throughout with what I believe were cumin seeds. Loved it, but had to quit and leave room for all the other food. Also three sauces, all spicy so I didn't partake, but son liked them with his Chicken Jalfrezi. For dessert we had Gulab Jamun and my favorite, Gajar Halwa ("carrot pudding" to me). Didn't find a charge for them on the bill either! Our bill (including tax, but not tip) for Mango Lassi, two glasses of wine, an appetizer, papadam, two entrees and two desserts was just over $40... a very reasonable amount. Try it. You'll like it! Royal Taj is located across the street from Columbia's two-story Wegmans. royaltajmd.com/restauran…
(4)Jennifer D.
The service and atmosphere is phenomenal! Thought me and a friend would be turned away because we were near closing time but they just brought us right in and set us up right away! The customer service is by far the friendliest and holds a nice touch of sophistication and class. The waiters of the night were all attentive in refilling our beverages and just checking up on us here and there. Overall I let the waiters choose my dish and I don't even regret it! First thing they would serve us is a complimentary appetizer with 3 choices of sauces with a thin chip/tortilla type bread. I honestly can't wait for what lunch with em next time!
(5)Ericka P.
The owner is always so personable and shakes each gentleman's hand. I have been here multiple times and each time the service is exceptional. I plan on going there for lunch tomorrow! The butter chicken is lovely as well as the curry. Chai tea calms down any heat from the food. By far in my top 3 restaurants ever!
(5)Felicia H.
Every time I am at Royal Taj, I am greeted with warmth. That's one of my favorite things about this place. The food is delicious and the service is prompt. I have been for dinner and also for the weekend brunch buffet. It's pricey but worth it if you're looking for great Indian food! Disclaimer: I'm not an Indian food expert so I'm not sure how Americanized this is, or if it matters. I still love it!
(5)Harsh Deep Singh N.
If you're craving a good Indian buffet, Royal Taj is an excellent choice. The variety of dishes is pretty big, and most of the stuff is close to authentic, though toned down in terms of spice to cater to the larger clientele. Must try's include the kheer (rice pudding), the chicken tawa masala, and the chinese fish curry. The owner is very warm and welcoming, and his effusive nature almost made it worth the 30 minute wait. I would recommend checking out this place on weekdays just to avoid the wait. Overall, a great choice for Indian food lovers and first timers alike.
(4)McFamished W.
Absolutely horrible. Our meal was rushed just so they could turn the table. We were rushed into ordering. Our appetizers were delivered to the table with our entree.My plate was snatched away with my meal on it while I still had my knife and fork in my hands. This is a fast food restaurant with table cloths. NEVER AGAIN WILL EAT THERE!
(1)Elizabeth P.
LOVE the Chicken Tikka Masala here! The manager always greets us and welcomes us. Service is great. Love the buffet - pretty big variety of food. The only thing is that it gets very crowded as it is a small place. Make sure to come early for the buffet!
(5)Riddhika J.
Delicious, fresh and incredible food and best service !!! This is the one of the best Indian restaurant in Columbia area. The service is really great and the owner always greets everybody with a hand shake or hug and tries his best to make your meal memorable. To go with that is the fresh dishes. I go there at least once a week for their lunch buffet which is amazing even for vegetarians. And their buffet serves India Masala tea ( chai ). One time I was craving for ginger tea after the buffet and when I told that to the server, the manager bought the ginger tea minutes later. Their Al a carte is delicious too. I had their chilli paneer and I was just the way I asked for. My only complaint is the long waiting line due to their popularity and smaller place. I hope they expand the place! Other that that I Love this place and will continue going there!
(5)Kat S.
What a wonderful experience we had!! We had reservations for 5 pm on Mothers Day Eve, for 4 adults and 2 toddlers, and were promptly seated at the booth by the window, which was perfect for the kids to watch the passersby. Service was impeccable! Our water glasses were never less than 1/3 empty, and the staff were excellent about clearing the empty plates and glasses. They created kids cups for water, using takeout containers and straws. The complimentary chai tea and the golem jamun were perfect ending to the delicious meal. Since my in-laws had NO idea what to order, my hubby and I took charge. We started with the assorted appetizers, which included some wonderfully crispy pakoras and a really spicy samosa. The basket of raita and sauces were also a nice starter while we waited for our food. For our meal, we shared a half a tandoori chicken, I think my hubby might want to buy a tandoor for the house now!! It was so tender and delicious. The chicken tikka masala was hands down, the best I have ever had. The sauce was perfectly seasoned, and plentiful. For something new, we tried the Keema Mutter, which was chopped up pieces of lamb with peas and spices in a sauce, it was very tasty. The saag paneer was nicely flavored, with the cheese being nice and firm, and not overly spicy. We will definitely be back, everything about this visit was outstanding. Sorry we left such a mess on the floor!!
(5)Sonny C.
Incredible food and even better service. The garlic naan bread was great and my chicken curry was delicious. Try this place out!! Indian food top notch.
(5)Thomas L.
Authentic Indian food. One of my top picks in the Columbia area! The staff is attentive. The Chai is delicious. A strong recommend!
(5)Sarah B.
So let me just start off by explaining that I really was not in the mood to go out to dinner tonight because I had a really long day and had a lot of work I needed to get done. But my parents wanted to get dinner with me since it's really hard to work around our schedules and my mom had also suggested Royal Taj. I mean who can turn down this place? It's a Wednesday night and it's fairly busy. There was about a 30 minute wait and thought hey, it'll probably go by pretty quickly. I'm a very observant person and before having worked in the hospitality industry, I found it extremely arrogant how a table of 2 who had finished their meal before we even got there (they paid for their check too) was talking for over 40 minutes while there were people standing and waiting for tables to get up. It's so rude not only to the guests, but also to the servers. I can understand if it wasn't busy, but there was a line of people standing and waiting. If you want to chat, go to Starbucks down the road. The service was great, refills of water without ever having to even ask throughout the whole meal. I kind of got a cold vibe from our server. I'm not really sure what it was about him, but he didn't seem upbeat or friendly like the other servers and my parents also thought the same. We initially did not want to order an appetizer, but the server asked if we wanted an appetizer after taking our order. My dad just asked for a recommendation and he selected the Assorted Appetizers, which I did not really enjoy. I'm not a big fan of fried food. My go to meal is the Chicken Tikka Masala, it's so delicious. My mom got the Chicken Mango Curry, which was also delicious. The sweetness that the mango brought to the spices -- it was just a perfect blend. I forgot the name of my dad's dish... he had for another recommendation, it was also a chicken dish. Moving on, the owner is so wonderful and very charming just by seeing how he interacted with the other guests. He offered my dad a beer on the house and we also got dessert on the house. A really genuine person who truly cares for his guests.
(4)Jannet C.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! I've been there a couple of times and the food never ceases to amaze me! It's delicious each and every time. However, as good as the food is, it cannot be beat by the service. I have honestly never received the kind of service that they offer at Royal Taj anywhere else! They treat you as if you were part of their family. It's warm and inviting. Everyone and everything beats all expectations! I love this place!
(5)Par Z.
Very attentive staff and delicious food! I tried the Saag Paneer accompanied by the chai, gulab jamun, and cumin flavored papadum & chutneys served on the side, which were all amazing.
(5)Heather M.
There is a reason this place is rated number 1 out of 175 restaurants in Columbia on TripAdvisor. We went on a Tuesday night and Wow! We are not adventurous eaters, and had never been to a real Indian restaurant before. We were worried about the spice level, but they were able to make everything mild. I have a gluten allergy, so it's hard to eat out. About 90% of the menu items are gluten free, including the "bread"! I had the chicken tikka masala and my husband had the chicken tandoori. Both amazing! Most impressive was the service! We were greeted the minute we walked in by the very warm and welcoming host. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. The host (I am assuming the manager) checked in on us halfway through the meal and offered us a complimentary chai tea or dessert wine (we took the wine!). I will recommend this restaurant to all of my friends and will most definitely be back!
(5)Britney C.
Best Indian food I've ever had in my life!! Im so sad this place is in Maryland because I'm from Pittsburgh and the only time we go here is because my hubby's siter lives out here. She's knows the owner very well and he is so friendly and personable. The first time I went here I was expecting just an average meal with ok service, you know the in and out service you expect sometimes. I was totally impressed by their knowledge of the menu, their attentiveness and the fact the the owner treats you like family. He sits at your table with you; talks and jokes just like one of your friends. He always shakes your hand before you leave and thanks you for coming. This place is small but I believe that if it was any bigger, he wouldn't be able to pay attention to his guest as well as he does. I love their flat chips that they serve with mint, onion and tamarind sauce. It's soooo good especially the onion mixed with the tamarind. They usually take it off the table when the food comes but i love to use it on top of my meal because it taste so good. We always order two meat and a veggie along with appetizers. A lot of food especially since the rice is served family style and we order naan along with that. All the flavor and spices just explode in your mouth and they compliment each other soooo well that your just blown away with enjoyment while you eat. I ordered the salmon tiki masla and man did I love it sooo much with the basamati rice. It made my heart just melt. Sometimes I wish I had two stomachs to savor all the delicious dishes that they have. There samosa and chaat prapi appetizers are my goto all the time. I can't wait til the next time I get to goto maryland. I may not like visiting my sister-in-law but I will go just to visit this place. The 4 hour drive is that much worth it!!
(5)Justin N.
You can feel the pride of ownership here through the owners and food. A rare gem!
(5)Hirdesh M.
The chicken tikka masala is beast. It's a small location so make sure you get there early for the lunch buffet. The restaurant is moving to a bigger location so that shouldn't remain an issue. What makes the restaurant great is the customer service of all the waiters and the owner. You are welcomed at the door and get a warm goodbye when you leave as well. Good food, good service, couldn't ask for more.
(5)Anna B.
Not a bad place to have quick lunch buffet, but the taste is little to Americanised and far from being authentic.
(3)Supriya C.
Just had the lunch buffet... Amazing!! Favs chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, tawa chicken, vadas!!! The flavors were great as was the service. Love the complimentary chai- they kept bringing fresh food even though the buffet was about to close... We don't live in the local area or else we would be back for sure!!
(5)A A.
Came here on a Tuesday night for my friends birthday and the place was PACKED. luckily we were seated within 2 minutes. Binda, the owner, very outgoing guy came over to greet us and ask us how everything was. Food was fantastic, and I'm an indian whose very selective about my food. We order lamb vindaloo, butter chicken and lamb samosas. It happened to be our friends birthday and Binda gave us 3 glasses of wine on the house and comped dessert for the 3 of us. That's amazing service and I will definitely return within the week with my other friends. I will continue to visit this place often now, despite the 45 minute drive, due to the phenomenal food and service. I'm confident, in a few more years, Binda will be a successful restaurant entrepreneur if he keeps this up!
(5)Lynna K.
The food was good. The staff was awesome! I'm not a big fan of Indian and tend to stick you the things I know. Chicken Tikka masala and kids had tandoori salmon and chicken. They ate all of it.
(4)Robert B.
First time here, and the positive reviews are not wrong. Excellent food, reasonable prices, and a beautiful atmosphere. The staff were top notch! From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted by the most friendly host I have encountered. He made us feel welcome and expertly expedited the seating. Hand shakes and a sincere "Thank you!" on the way out. I will definitely be back!
(5)Lauren M.
Amazing fresh, delicious, and absurdly cheap lunch buffet! Prepare for a wait for lunch (on the weekend we went at least), but it's totally worth it.
(5)Alyssa H.
AH-mazing!! This is a restaurant that sets the standard for a five star rating! Note: went for lunch buffet Firstly, the staff is incredibly friendly, remembering all of the guests and checking in frequently to make sure everything is up to par. The buffet staff was also friendly and helpful to explain the different foods available. They also brought around tea for the guests. Now more importantly, the FOOD! Yum yum yum! The lunch buffet consisted of: spinach, chickpea paneer, fish curry, cauliflower curry, chicken tiki masala, pancake w/ potato w/ coconut chutney, vegetable fritter, tandoori chicken, nann, soup, rice pudding, and sweet balls. Now that's surely not the correct names for all of the items and I'm sure I left out several dishes, but the point of the matter is that it was all delicious! I personally think the chicken tiki masala may be the best I've ever had and trust me, I've had a lot. Anyway, all this for only $13? That is a steal! Do yourself a favor and come here for your next lunch out.
(5)Sharron S.
Service? Impeccable. Far exceeded my expectations. Food? Spicy and Delicious. Drink? Complimentary glass of wine. How can you argue with that? They are moving to a larger location not too far away after Mother's Day. I could see coming out of my way to dine here again.
(5)Michelle J.
One of my favorites in Howard County. The owner knows how to conduct his business well, constantly offering complimentary beer and wine for regular customers. It works! We always come here when we are hankering for Indian. The service here is impeccable. There is always more than enough waiters at this busy establishment and they tag-team their service, which means that we are never searching for our waiter to come by like at other restaurants. The lamb korma is simply amazing. The lunch buffet is good, but I prefer to come for dinner since the buffet selection rarely varies. This place gets busy, so make reservations or prepare to wait!
(5)Chau T.
A friend has been raving about this place for awhile now and finally decided to go and I'm so glad we did! Great customer service and the food was delicious! We got the buttered chicken, tandoori chicken, lamb saag, and garlic naan. They're always busy so definitely make a reservation...
(5)Elle Z.
This truly is excellent. The meat is marinated to perfection and full of flavor. Even the rice is good. The service is good, prices reasonable, atmosphere nice (a little fancier/dressier than others in the area). My top choice when I'm wanting some exotic food.
(5)Katie B.
My husband and I have been coming here for years and took a break from the lunch buffet because our daughter wouldn't eat anything and there's no children's food that she enjoyed. FINALLY she came around (she's 3) to develop a love for the Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan so we have returned to regular lunches here. Typically we arrive to a line at 11:30am when they're opening the doors. I love the atmosphere here. Service is amazing and the staff is fabulous as a whole- friendly and warm. The vibe overall is just so happy here. Of course, a big reason for that is the food. This is the best Indian food I've had anywhere and even the lunch buffet is top notch. I can't wait until they move to their larger space next month!
(5)Nicole H.
Food here was excellent...went during lunch time but did not enjoy the buffet...mango lassi was delicious..ordered two shots of patron platinum that was NOT platinum which was a bit disappointing especially due to the price tag...owner offered us to partake of the buffet a gratis, and the waiter prepared a desert to try that I would NEVER have tried on my own and it was amazing!!!!! Will definitely return!
(4)M P.
Best indian lunch buffet in town. Food is always hot, plentiful and tasty. Always crowded, but that's a good thing in my book; the restaurant is definitely popular and the food is awesome. The owner/manager should get a special mention for being such an outgoing, friendly guy who greets every guest like they're family. Will be back soon. Highly recommended.
(5)Caroline S.
This restaurant has the best Indian food I've ever tried. It is so amazingly good! We've been going back every week basically since we discovered this place a few months ago. The lamb korma and dal makhani are two dishes that I would highly recommend. In addition to the great food, the service is really outstanding. The owner is always greeting us at the door, super friendly, making sure everything is perfect throughout our meal. Love this place!
(5)Farha K.
I hate giving bad reviews to places where the service is actually quite stellar..but it had to be done. To start off though I will say this.. The service here is definitely some of the best I've seen in an Indian Restaurant around here, they are friendly and welcoming. Always ready to pour you a cold glass of water and keep the place spotless. So for the service provided I would definitely give them 5 stars. The food on the other hand is awful (by authentic Indian standards). How do you manage to cook indian food with absolutely no flavor? With a plethora of spices to work with, this place figure out how to make absolutely bland Indian food. I get it.. you're trying to tap into the non-Indian clientele, but I think non-Indians have gotten to the point where they appreciate good authentic Indian..even with a little heat. Heat doesnt always mean flavor, but geez.. Salt can be your friend! try it sometime. The variety is great.. but again.. lacks flavor. Work on your recipes and you would have a great thing going here.
(2)Victor K.
One of the biggest issues I have with Indian restaurants is their stinginess which results in them using paneer from yesterday, basmati rice, potatoes etc. Sometimes the rice are dry and sometimes potatoes are borderline stale. Not in Royal Taj! The guy that greets at the door was cheerful. The waiters were very attentive. We ordered a few paneer dishes and garlic naan for my family. The paneer was so soft that I can say it was fresh. And so was the rice. The food was very tasty and I'm a very picky eater! I don't usually write reviews unless it was off the charts good or bad and Taj was very good. The place was crowded as we can tell with the amazing food!
(5)Neal M.
This was one of many lunch spots my coworkers and I hit up while here for training. This place is pretty small and gets packed REALLY QUICK! They have a small lunch buffet set up for around $10-12 pp. The good? They made naan on the floor at the buffet. The bad? No paneer to be seen. :( That made me REALLY sad. They had a nice spread and it was all tasty but maybe I'm used to Austin prices. Mind you it's only a buck or two but that said, I'm also always getting saag paneer.
(4)Santhoshkumar P.
Very nice food... Good hospitality... If u go @ peak hours be ready to wait for 40+ mins but its worth waiting
(5)Emily F.
Staff is so friendly. Food is delicious and the buffet is a great deal. Coffee was amazing. It's always pretty busy but usually not a wait or a long wait
(5)Tracy M.
By far my favorite spot for Indian food! The service is as good as the food and the owner/manager is always so personable.
(5)Sherine And David G.
We ate at Royal Taj for the first time tonight. Let me make it crystal clear from the start that it exceeded all of our expectations. But first things first. The welcome: we were greeted very warmly, and the decor is beautiful. The decor is also neither tacky, nor ostentatious, which is, I am sorry to say, a nice change for an Indian restaurant. The second your walk in, you are hit by the accents of spices, cardamom, cumin, safran, it's mouth watering. The service: out of this world. Seriously. I have a condition that prevents me from being able to ingest physical seeds. The host (I do not know if he's the owner) took the time to come to our table to help us chose. When we realized that all their basmati rice was cooked with cumin seeds, THEY MADE ME A FRESH BATCH OF RICE without the seeds--and even apologized for the fact it was going to take longer to wait for the rice to cook. And they didn't even charged me anything for the trouble. When I proposed to compensate them, it was brushed off as inconsequential. When it appeared that they were all out of Pellegrino, the host/owner(?) wanted to run next door under the freezing rain until we stopped him from doing it. *** The food: I had the lamb samosas and my husband had the chicken pakora. My samosas were moist and flavorful, with hints of crushed coriander seeds and just a hint of heat. The pastry was flaky, tender, and cooked to golden perfection. My husband's chicken was all real chicken tenders, juicy, flavored from their marinade, and fried just right. I followed with a lamb roganjosh, and my husband with a chicken tikka masala. This was probably the tastiest casserole off lamb I've had in a restaurant--ever. Tender, amazingly flavorful, just a kick of heat (I asked for it mild, they will do anything as mild or hot as you want it). My husband's chicken was also phenomenal. We both cleaned all of our casseroles. Each of us had a full and very generous side plate of aromatic basmati rice, and a side of raita (yogurt base sauce). We had two orders of naan bread, one plain, one garlic. Both were excellent. We were way too full to have dessert, so we were offered a nice cup of probably the best chai tea I ever drank, and a touch of sweetness was provided by a doughnut hole soaked in an delicately aromatic syrup. *** In conclusion, call off the search, we officially found the best Indian restaurant you'll ever eat in, and it just so happen to be the best service you'll ever get as well. It's not the cheapest, but it's far from outrageous. For all we ate, and with a generous tip, it cost us $80. I will absolutely come back to Royal Taj and encourage you to try it as well. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Marcus B.
Awesome place. Wife took me here for a celebration dinner and it was amazing. We have never had food like this and to have incredible service at the same time sets the bar very high! We walked in and the host was super personal! Found us great seats quickly without a reservation. The ambiance is nice for a date or romantic evening. Even though it's a causal atmosphere it's very nice. I had the spicy lamb and my wife had a chicken chili. Came out hot and fresh! Water glasses never were empty and we were giving wine on the house. What can I say... We will be back but with friends!
(5)Edward L.
Been here a couple of times now and it is as good as everyone says it is. I first tried to come here a couple of years ago but it was always packed. Now I know why. Have come here twice for lunch during the work week. First time we happened to show up right before they opened. Good thing we did because a line was already starting to form 10 minutes prior to opening. The owner and staff are super friendly and hospitable. The owner remembered my co-worker who had come the previous Saturday with her husband. He hooked her up with a free drink. This place has a lot of regulars. Every other person that came in was hugged and/or given a very loud handshake. I didn't get a handshake the first time I came but the second time I came, he recognized us and I got one of those booming handslaps/handshakes. Made me feel like part of the club, lol. Food, of course, is delicious. I can never remember the names to any dishes but can pick them out by appearance. I LOVE the dosas that are freshly-made throughout the lunch period. They also hand out complimentary chai teas, which is a nice touch. I've never ordered any drinks from their small bar but they seem to have a decent selection. I hear they'll be moving to a bigger location at Restaurant Park soon. Wish them the best in their new location.
(5)Alan H.
Went here with my girlfriend for dinner today. I had the same experience as most of the other posts: the food was delicious, the atmosphere was great, the waiters and the host were so hospitable, it was all very reasonably priced, and to top it all off they gave us an extra dessert on the house. For those who don't know what to order, have some chai tea to drink, chicken tikka masala+naan for the main course, and gajar halwa for dessert (you can't go wrong with any of these). We eat Indian food fairly often and I can tell you that this restaurant is the best Indian restaurant I've been to. After dinner, we couldn't stop talking about how great dinner was, how service at every sit-down restaurant should be like Royal Taj's, how waiters at other restaurants should love their jobs as much as these ones do, etc. You will not regret coming here.
(5)Pranay S.
Great food and even better service... Service was over the top, very friendly staff and the host. Really good punjabi food. Believe they will be moving to a new larger location soon. The restaurant was very crowded for a Sunday evening ~ 8 pm. Always a good sign. Stayed near BWI for an early AM flight. The food, butter chicken, aloo gobi and the lamb rogan josh were wonderful and made in a true punjabi style. When we refused desert, the host offered us complimentary gulab jamun, not necessary but a nice touch. The gulab jamun were nicely served warm and were very soft. Though It is out of my way and long way from home, will be going back and take a few friends.
(5)Jenn L.
I had been eyeballing this restaurant for a while, wanting to try it. Walking in, the ambiance is very classy (It made me think this would be great place for a date!) The serving staff was very friendly and very attentive. The food was excellent, with perfect amount of spice. The manager (or owner? I'm not sure) gave my friend and myself a refill of wine on the house! It's the best Indian food I've had in a while. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Will C.
The Royal Taj is the best Indian food I have had in the United States. The service is impeccable and the staff makes you feel like family. Bravo.
(5)Megan O.
Royal Taj is our go-to Indian restaurant in the area. I like the buffet at Mango Grove as well, but we are always happy at Royal Taj. The wait staff are great, and the menu has excellent selection for both vegetarians and meat eaters. I find the name a little jarring as the Taj Mahal is a tomb, but I try not to think about that when I'm there. During lunch they have a buffet, and at dinner you order from the menu. They are usually packed unless you come at an off-peak time or beat the rush, but are supposed to be moving to a larger restaurant area soon. Also, I still don't understand why people have an issue with restaurants being in strip malls. That is how suburbia works...can you imagine how much land would be wasted if every store had it's own detached building??
(5)Lynie H.
Good food but might be busy. They seriously need to expand to a bigger location or a 2nd location so this place won't be so busy :-) Owner is always so nice in greeting us. Love the buffet..has dessert and chai tea. Also has a dosa man making dosas :-)
(4)Christina P.
There was a big crowd of people outside for a good reason-- this place is fantastic. The atmosphere was nice and comfortable, and the service was excellent. We had several dishes, but my favorites were the chicken tikka masala and garlic naan. The rice was also the most fluffy and flavorful rice I've had at an Indian restaurant. I definitely recommend this restaurant, but be sure to make a reservation first or you WILL have quite a wait.
(5)Mackenzie S.
This is the one of the best restaurants if you're looking for an experience. The wait staff is very involved, but very polite not to interrupt. I find it incredible how everyone works as a team! We had a few different people that helped us order and brought us various things, and they are all wearing headsets to communicate. Every time someone approached the table, they were very professional and made me feel as though I was in a fine dining establishment. The food is delicious! I love how many vegetarian options there are. It is especially nice to be able to pick your spice level. At one point, the manager approached my mother and I and offered us free wine. There was no problem at all, he was simply being friendly and generous. Perhaps the only negative thing is how small the table was and they were close together. Overall it did not bother me and the server helped us move some things. It seems like we beat the rush because they went on a long wait quickly since this is also a restaurant with not many tables. Already the manager was on it, entertaining people and being the most friendly host I have seen! I've worked in the restaurant business for a while and it really shocked me at how smoothly this establishment runs!
(5)TJ K.
I LOVE Royal Taj. I am in Columbia each week for work and eat here several times a month.
(5)Matrish M.
I am very frequent in this restaurant. May be 1 in 15 days.. Good part : Good food , good service , Warm welcome. Buffet is really good.. Bad part : Menu is very typed ..no major change in menu, after sometime you get bored..ala carte is very expensive. Over All : Best Indian restaurant in near by location ..
(4)Sreeni K.
We were driving from NJ to FL and stopped in Columbia for lunch, as we used to live there several years ago. We are of Indian origin and have lived in NJ for several years so our standards are a bit high for indian food. Back when we lived here, it was Mango Grove, but the GPS showed a lot of choices, and we came here. It was a Sunday afternoon, around 1Pm, and there were several people in the line. I guess it was the owner, I forgot his name, who was at the entrance and said it was going to be a 15 minute wait. The kids wanted to g find some other place, but we decided to stay, since so many people thought it to be good to wait in line. Fortunately for us, a table for four opened up in a few minutes and we jumped ahead of some others who did not fit a table for four, so our wait was quite short. And what a lunch spread. Even with all the places in NJ, I have to say this was one of the very best indian lunch buffets in that price range I have been to, in the US, in over 25 years of living here. And the owner is such a nice gentleman, periodically checking on us. When he found out we had a long drive to FL, he offered to pack us Masala tea for the long journey ahead! I honestly can't remember one single dish that was bad. The appetizers, the chutneys, the naans,the curries and vegetables, the rice, desserts, all were superb. They were making fresh dosas, masala dosas, right there on a grill and serving. The masala chai, not with a lousy tea bag but honest to god, masala chai blended with milk, was so good. Normally indian joints charge $4 to $5 for masala chai separately from the buffet, but here it was free. And way better than what you get elsewhere. I drank two full cups. I can't comment on the meat dishes being a vegetarian, but there were so many vegetarian dishes, the tough thing was to decide what to eat, and making sure I was not stuffing myself too much, but failed miserably in that objective. My only regret is that we wish this place was open when we had lived in Columbia all those years ago.
(5)Meg M.
Royal Taj lunch buffet is tasty, with plenty of options for vegetarians, plus couple chicken dishes. The only proteins represented when I most recently visited were lentils, paneer and lots of chicken, so if you are looking for other meats, be aware that it may not be available in the buffet. I've been twice, and it seems that they have several rotating dishes, plus a few classics that are always present. A small salad bar, various sauces/chutneys and plenty of hot naaan and really good chai tea are also included. They have dessert options on the buffet line as well. Nothing has that 'been sitting out' quality that you find at some buffets. Everything is fresh, hot, and frequently refilled. I liked some of the things I tried, and not so much others, mostly because I am not a fan of spicy foods. The buffet dishes ranged from mild to moderate/hot. My favorite was the Chicken Tikka Masala, which has big tender chicken chunks and the perfect amount of spice. Service is great, attentive and friendly, and the price is reasonable for the food quality, (although $4 for a pretty small mango lassi seems pricey to me). There is a full bar that looks pretty nice, although I haven't tried it. There's usually a wait for weekday lunch, but not an unreasonable one. This place is very worth a visit.
(4)J. T.
Literally the best Indian restaurant I have ever been to. Go for the lunch buffett- you get to try a little bit of everything for a good price. There is always a long line, they should think about expanding their space. The owner is very friendly and recognizes us when we go there. He treats us like family, the customer service is incredible!
(5)A R.
Today my daughter and I enjoyed the lunch buffet and it was delicious. The staff was so friendly and attentive, especially the manager. The line to be seated was out the door the entire time we were there. The manager was quick to seat folks as soon as a table was ready. This was our first time eating here, so were not sure what to expect. After reading all the wonderful reviews, we just had to try it and we were certainly not disappointed. I now know what everyone has been raving about.
(5)Monica T.
Solid. Great service, manager is very amicable. Sag paneer...full of clove, ginger, and fenugreek wonder.
(4)Lori R.
I have to say this restaurant is above and beyond. So much so, it compelled me to write a review. First of all the host. Yeah he knows what he's doing but damn, he's good at it. He is so kind and on top of his shit. Makes you feel like you're an old friend coming to visit. It's like the handbook of what a restaurant host should be like come to life. The restaurant is always busy but he is working his ass off to make sure people are getting served. After him your already hooked but then comes the food... It's straight up incredible. Fresh and flavorful. Just the right amount if spice. Everything tastes distinct, not greasy. The servers are just as great as the host. Attentive and accommodating. Not overbearing. We got free tea and desert for no apparent reason exempt that they have top notch customer service. I should also not that we brought our 9 mo baby and they couldn't have been nicer. Really I just gotta say this place is awesome and I will visit anytime I'm in the area.
(5)Matthew L.
Came here on a Wed night at 7:15pm. Who has a line in the suburbs on Wed night?!?!? This place. Took about 15 minutes to be seated. I took the wait as a sign of legitmacy, however the staff was disappointed for us and comped us wine and dessert. Unreal. The staff is so friendly and attentive, a big change from city dining. It is very British in decor with lots of dark woods and black tie servers. They make it interesting by using colored LED accent lights. If nothing else it is a conversation piece. Had the lamb korma (Must Eat), chicken tiki masala and the saag paneer. Also ordered some naan. I find Indian food to usually be "heavy", but this seemed light and yet rib sticking at the same time. How does that happen? Everything was perfect and Royal Taj has lived up to the high expectations.
(5)T B.
Usually go with family of five which includes kids from 5-10 years old. Fantastic service from the moment you walk in to exiting. Food is also excellent. If you want great Indian food with amazing service, this is the place.
(5)Missy Y.
Muey muey muey DELICIOSO me and a friend went here today and LOVED IT! My friend is very hard to please and he really complimented the food which is saying a lot. Buffet lunch only waited about 15 minutes or a little less. Once seated headed straight to the buffet line. Had a good amount of salad, little chilis different types of chutney. Rice along with 2 different chicken stew dishes (Tikka masala and vindaloo). Go further down and they have more chicken options with some great naan, pakora, potato filled crepes. The veggie options are great as well. I love indian style naan because its not to heavy. This is a cool restaurant and I will advertise to many people. Thank you Royal Taj!
(5)Chris O.
Absolutely love this place. I don't know if it's the manager or the owner but he's a bro. I'm ALWAYS greeted with open arms... literally. The food is amazing, the dinners are NEVER disappointing, and the lunch buffets are very satisfying. I go back at least once a week. I definitely recommend!
(5)Julie C.
I usually do not like Indian food but their lunch buffet was pretty delicious. I highly recommend their buffet for people who are trying Indian food for the first time. Be ready to wait about 10-15 minutes to get seated.
(4)Mansi S.
The food is absolutely amazing!! That staff is great and so friendly, especially the host. Everyone was great and attentive. The drinks are amazing, especially the chai! Would go back all the time if I could
(5)Katie N.
I'll admit it- I can be a selective eater. I met friends there and arrived first. Binda greeted me like a long lost friend. I waited at the bar which has an amazing liquor selection and had a wonderful Manhattan. It was packed for a Thursday night so I would recommend reservations. The food smelled wonderful and the ambiance was stunning. The meal and service and were outstanding. My friend, Nick goes often and now I will start to as well. It is a hidden gem. The curries are on point. The portions were perfect and a glass of desert wine at the end of dinner was wonderful. I will be returning and suggest others come and check it out! Seriously- amazing service and all hands were there to make sure you have a wonderful meal.
(5)J S.
Most importantly, the food was fantastic. The service was also equally amazing. There was a long wait (50 minutes) on a Saturday night. The owner apologized profusely for the wait and gave us a glass of wine on the house. Well worth the wait and will definitely be returning (but will probably make reservations next time).
(5)Guadalupe D.
We went to Royal Taj on Sunday, Oct. 29th for brunch and really loved this place! The best dish, for me, was the chicken tikka masala. Super tasty and the chicken was very tender. Perfection! I will also recommend the mango lassi if you are a fan of mangos. It's a good portion and the price is only $3.95. We will definitely go back with a larger group next time. Try it out!
(5)Richelle W.
Took my boyfriend's mother there for her birthday & not only was the food great, but the manager made sure we were well accommodated. Will definitely be going back to this location!!
(5)Michael K.
We have been going to Royal Taj since it opened, and it is definitely our go-to place for Indian food in the area. The food really is fantastic. In addition, the owner (I assume he's the owner, he's always there greeting people and making sure things run smoothly) is the friendliest, most exuberant proprietor I have ever met. And with their success and popularity he certainly doesn't have to do this anymore, but he does anyway. It is always a pleasure going, either dining in or carrying out. Highly recommended.
(5)Lokesh S.
Food is stellar, ambiance is superb, owner is courteous and funny! I had mutter paneer with garlic naans - SCRUMPTUOUS! Chances are he will greet you with a handshake and will ask about your day.
(5)Sandi W.
What an amazing restaurant!! I have been here about 5 times now. Once for a sit down dinner and the rest for their wonderful lunch buffet. They have such a great variety available at the their buffet, it is sure to please everyone. And it tastes amazing!! A few years ago I went there when I was 8 months pregnant. They gave me a glass of mango juice for free and said it is good for the baby. Early this month my dad took me there for lunch the day before my birthday. I was offered to box to take home anything I wanted!! They truly care about their customers and make you feel like an old friend when you go there. If you haven't been and you like Indian food, you have to give this place a try!! Oh and when you go there, it's not a deserted restaurant like most Indian restaurants are, but it's also not too loud and crazy. I honestly can't say enough good things about Royal Taj.
(5)Mandana Y.
I may or may not have eaten my Royal Taj leftovers at 10 this morning. So delicious. I mean, tastes perfect 12 hours later and cold delicious. Where do I begin? Royal Taj has exceptional service. From the second you walk in you're gonna think you're having a really good hair day. No it's not you. It's just ridiculously good service. Their food, like another reviewer said, is much less greasy than most Indian restaurants in the area. Makes it much easier to digest and such. They're also not stingy about their rice. They brought an extra plate for us free of charge and even offered some more when we were wrapping up our leftovers. I appreciate not hearing 'that's going to cost extra!' during my fine dining experience. The crowd they attract is family friendly. But for the most part the children keep quiet. Ultimately, being located in a shopping center kind of gets in the way of having a romantic vibe. So while I wouldn't recommend Royal Taj for a date night necessarily, it's perfect for any other occasion.
(5)Stacey D.
Went on a Saturday night with my husband. The wait wasn't too bad for Columbia. I almost gave this 4 stars because the waiting area almost doesn't exist. It's packed so reservations (must be made more than a day ahead) are recommended. The food was excellent along with the service. We will definitely be back.
(5)Tisha V.
I've been here twice and both times were amazing! Service is always superb, we are always greeted by the owner right as we all through the door. Food is excellent and full of flavor. The man who makes the savory creeps at the lunch buffet bar is always friendly and joyful. My favorite thing is the rice pudding, which is full of aromatic spices. Best restaurant I have ever been to.
(5)Eric L.
Royal Taj is simply the best Indian food in the area. I've been to most of the better Indian restaurants in Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties and Royal Taj is the standard to judge others against. We usually come in on Sunday for the lunch buffet. It's always crowded, but never more than a 20-30 minute wait, arrive early. The buffet is quite extensive and always has a wide selection of meat (mostly chicken) and vegetarian dishes. Food is refreshed often. The owner recognizes us (and many of the customers) and is always welcoming and friendly. I hope he can expand at some point and add more tables.
(5)John J.
I was genuinely wowed by this place. I was invited here by a friend and while I knew where this was, I had never taken a close look and just assumed it was another ok restaurant on a strip mall. However, I was delighted to see how nice it was on the inside. I was even more surprised at how incredibly delicious the food was (extra spicy chicken tikka masala) and the service is top notch. The owner/manager was incredibly attentive, polite and friendly. I've never had better service for Indian food in my life. After the meal I was incredibly satisfied and left an additional $10 in tip in addition to my standard tip. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Janet C.
Best Indian buffet I have tried. More wait staff than I have ever seen for a buffet. Everything was really good, great experience. Love the fresh made dosas with coconut chutney.
(5)Kem W.
Probably a 5-star but this was my first time here. Had Saturday lunch buffet. My plate included tawa chicken (a spicy grilled chicken with veggies), vegetable pakoda (Indian latkes!), chicken tikka masala (very good with very large chunks of chicken), paneer burji (spicy but a must have), chana masala (chick peas) basmati rice, and masala chai. I don't think you could do better for a Saturday lunch. The service was outstanding. I can't wait to go back for dinner where I can check out the menu. (Though there may have been a lunch menu; I just opted for the buffet as did most of the other diners.)
(4)Gary H.
A coworker took me here for the lunch buffet the other day, and I will honestly never look at another buffet the same way again. The service was fantastic, the manager (maybe owner? Not sure) treated us like we were regulars and saw us daily. Cloth napkins and tablecloths, the decor was ornate, and the wait staff wore vests. Top that off with fantastic food. Honestly I'm not sure of the names of it... There was some chicken stuff, and some potato stuff, in some sauce stuff. It may have been tandoori chicken. I do like tandoori chicken. No matter, I'll be taking the wife here very soon. Stay classy, Royal Taj.
(5)Edward W.
Great food and excellent dining experience. Love this place and the lunch buffet is awesome!
(5)S K.
I just had to add my voice to the many positive reviews of the Royal Taj. This restaurant, located in an unassuming strip mall that is mostly other average restaurants, offers exquisite service and excellent food at a reasonable price. The manager was remarkably gracious and friendly, the waiter kept my water glass full. I have not experienced this level of service since formal night on a cruise. Definitely my new favorite restaurant for Indian food.
(5)Ches P.
I started this a while back... and never got to finish it. This restaurant is so good, i had to finish it. Let me start off by saying this is the best Indian buffet I've ever been to. I love going to Indian buffets and i've gone to many places in different states. The chicken tika was amazing... they serve soup, handmade dosa! Are you kidding me! THis is better than your typical red, yellow, and green liquid mush with stale naan. There is so much selection and all the other reviewers will tell you in much detail. But man... best Indian buffet
(4)Mitch L.
The lunch buffet at Royal Taj is delicious and vast. The various dishes are fresh tasting and you can tell they are made with technique and care. But what sets Royal Taj apart is the service. The staff is attentive and helpful. The manager makes a point of saying hi to every table in a non obtrusive way. The staff is warm and open, something I don't often see at lunch buffets. It is a wonderful place to enjoy your favorites and learn a new dish.
(5)Rosalie R.
Yelper Britnany C. said it best when she described Royal Taj as the best Indian of her life. The food and service were as wonderful as other reviewers have gushed. Try the Kashmiri Naan - this is naan stuffed with raisins and almonds. There is this red stuff on top that I can only describe as melted peppermint candies. Totally weird but it works. RUN don't walk to Royal Taj. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Adam K.
I generally frequent Indian Restaurants for their buffets, and Royal Taj did not disappoint with theirs! Fantastically friendly and attentive wait staff, which is all the more impressive with how busy the place was at lunch. Every country has regional cuisines, and most Indian restaurants in the U.S. carry the Northern Indian style of curries, meats, gravies, with mild spices. Royal Taj includes most of these favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Chana Masala, Palak / Saag, and Tandoori Chicken. Nothing extraordinary from these save for the Chicken Tikka Masala. I've been to many Indian places in the States and generally Chicken Tikka Masala is very mild with a buttery orange gravy. This was more spiced than the others - not in a bad way or too (picante) spicy, but more spicy as in more fragrant. I dare say the sauce has some extra grit thanks to the ground spices. Royal Taj earns four stars for the pleasant surprise of featuring some South Indian classics such as dosai and sambar. One of the staff was constantly prepping some dosais at a buffet station. When I asked my waiter about it them, without me having to ask,he assured me that he would bring one as soon as it was ready. Sure enough, within two minutes, I had a tasty, single portion plate of yummy spiced potatoes wrapped in a thin, semi-crispy crepe. I didn't get around to the gulab jamun, but I did sample the kheer (rice pudding): nothing spectacular. I strongly prefer the rice pudding at Akbar, just down the road (Akbar is also cheaper by $2 for the buffet, though you'll get less variety if you go there). I think $11.95 for weekday buffet is pricey, even for the caliber and variety of food available. It is a great place to go to introduce someone to Indian food, thanks to the variety. I'll probably find myself heading to Akbar or House of India for what will be a similar experience and a slightly cheaper deal.
(4)Matt E.
The best Indian restaurant in Columbia. I've eaten several items on the menu and have never been disappointed. The owner genuinely cares about your dining experience and always stops by to check on the table.
(5)Ahmed F.
I will assume you already know this is the best Indian lunch buffet in the area. I will not waste your time by describing the hordes of people that descend on it every day at 11:30am. I will only advise you to get there ten or fifteen minutes early, before opening, otherwise you'll be waiting in line watching me chow down on ridiculously delicious freshly-made-before-your-eyes masala dosa, with pakori, tawa chicken, and whatever bowel-clenchingly delicious food the boys have prepared for the day. I'm Indian, and these five stars come from the bottom of my Subcontinental heart.
(5)Sharon P.
Simply amazing! I was in the area for business and decided to have dinner to let the traffic go down. Love Indian food, and when I read the reviews, I decided to give it a try. Those awesome reviews, are completely on point, from the food to the customer service to the owners attention. :-) In love! I had my usual Chicken Tikka Masala ( extra extra spicy) , mango lassi, and wheat bread, and the chutneys and EVERYTHING was outstanding. Bookmarking it to make sure I come back if I am in the area.
(5)E J.
The best Indian in Columbia. I always go for the buffet-the food is always hot and plentiful. Don't be off put by the long line. Its totally worth it.
(5)Marian K.
Have been here twice and both were Awesome. Super friendly, fast and authentic. Complimentary Chai tea, delicious Veggie korma and lamb vindaloo. Buffet in Sunday is the way to go!
(5)Sheri H.
Wow, you all weren't kidding!!! This place is AMAZING. I wish I knew it existed sooner. I yelped "Indian food" in Columbia, MD, and this place was ranked #1 (for good reason), so I decided to give it a try. I walked in and was welcomed with a smile. The hostess was very sweet and seated me right away. Based on previous reviews, I was expecting it to be a little fancier than its strip mall location suggested, but I was shocked when I walked inside! Very nice. Clean linen on the tables, a fancy bar, and the soft glow of candlelight. The complimentary chips and dip were delicious. I loved the orange dip with onions! I actually used it as dip with the Shrimp Pakora appetizer. The shrimp they used were large, perfectly golden brown, and set on a bed of salad. For the main course, my friend and I did a family style meal. She got the Chicken Makhani and I got the Chicken Tikka Missala. Both were delicious, but I preferred the Missala's flavor and spice level. They actually ask you what level of spice you want your meal, but the "medium" level seems to fluctuate based on the entree. We ordered Masali Chai and Gulab Jamun for dessert. The server was kind enough to bring a complimentary order of the Gulab Jamun since we were sharing, so we each got our own. The cheese with its almost donut-y flavor was perfectly complimented by the tea. I highly recommend ending your meal this way! Random things I enjoyed during dinner: a variety of servers ask how you are doing and if you need anything. Also, the food is kept warm by a candle lit underneath each dish, so you don't have to rush through your meal. I barely ever get a three course meal, but at Royal Taj, I wouldn't have it any other way!
(5)David G.
Service was great. From the time I walked in the staff was welcoming and friendly. When I asked the host/waiter for a recommendation between 3 dishes he was nice enough to explain everything and suggested the VEGETABLE KORMA (Combination of mildly spiced mixed vegetable curry cooked with yogurt sauce and spices....$13.95). It was awesome and definitely worth the money. I'm not from the Columbia, MD area so I don't have any other restaurants to compare ROYAL TAJ to but I would highly recommend it and will certainly be coming back.
(5)Hiroko N.
In a span of a few days, I went to their lunch buffet twice. The restaurant was EXTREMELY crowded both of the times I went (1st time at 12:30 on a weekday, and next time, around 12 on a weekend), but because of the small party size, we were seated fairly quickly (larger parties had to wait for a bit). Because it is a buffet, there's literally no wait time. And the food are fried fresh, and still super steamy and hot (and because there are so many people, seemingly, the food really doesn't have time to become old...). There were a lot of potatoes, as apparently is customary for Indian dishes, and they are all great. I usually avoid Indian food except on special occasions, because they are too strong for my stomach a lot of times, but this place is not too spicy, along with all the yummy Chai you could ever want. The dessert menu is not large (2 items), but since you're so full from stuffing yourself with the dozen different options available, it's not really an issue. The price is decent ($12-14 a person depending on the day), and the food delicious. The waiters are extremely friendly and amicable as well, which is great. Just prepare to be a little tight-spaced, and watch for those flying ice cubes from those strangely-shaped water jugs that likes to angrily spew ice and water into your cup (and on your tablecloth... happened both times I was there). And wear stretchy waistband pants...
(5)Skeet L.
Great Food Great Service! I had Tikka Masala Salmon, my wife had Tikka Masala Chicken and they were both excellent. We ordered ours spicy and they were full of flavor as were the sauces that were served with the bread before our meal. We were seated as soon as we walked in and the waiter was very attentive. The manager even comped me a glass of wine for no particular reason. If we lived here this would be on my favorites list!
(5)XIN Z.
We stopped by and decided to have an Indian lunch. They have great food and awesome service. I stood up and wanted to get a cup of tea from the buffet; a waiter stopped me and insisted to get it for me. Really cannot find anything to coMplain about.
(5)Kate A.
There is absolutely nothing negative to say about this place. It is amazing! The ambiance is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the customer service is incredible (I was given a glass of wine on the house!). This is one of my new favorite restaurants!
(5)Derek U.
Amazing food, great service, wonderful atmosphere. We went during lunch and got the lunch buffet, and everything we ate was amazing. The staff was prompt refilling our drinks and the owner came out and spoke to each table individually. Would definitely eat there again.
(5)Andrew K.
I finally dined in here with several friends. I ordered the lamb korma with naan and it was great. I also tried the tikki marsala which was delicious. Every time I've ordered takeout in the past, I've always enjoyed my meal and the buffets for lunch is a great deal. The service is also really good and they remember you if you are a regular customer. They gave us free dessert with our meal today.
(5)Ernest P.
Nice change from the other Indian offerings in Columbia. Mainly the service was 100x better at Royal Taj. Friendly service, nice manager/owner who genuinely seem to care. Rather than getting one big plate of say cauliflower, or a bowl of eggplant the waiter was gracious enough to allow me to order 1/2 portions so I was able to try a few different vegetarian entrees. All were delicious. Extra rice AND bread were provided at no extra cost upon request. Food was great but can't stress enough that for service/staff demeanor this place deserves your business. Can't wait to get there to try the lunch buffett.
(4)Chris C.
3.5 stars... a bit of an update. Since the early visits, I've been to enough Indian restaurants, and to Royal Taj (for both lunch buffets and dinners) plenty to formulate a solid opinion - this place is definitely above avg. I won't go into comparisons of many of the typical dishes, but with my personal favorite - lamb vindaloo - it doesn't get much better; tasty with a serious kick! The owners and staff here are also as pleasant and accommodating as they come.
(4)Yael L.
What an amazing place. I love Indian food and this place is the real deal. Beautiful restaurant with a kind staff. The owner/manager was super nice and even gave us drinks on the house. Everything bite was delicious and the presentation was classy. I highly recommend this Royal Taj for the atmosphere and the food.
(5)Vicky E.
Went here Saturday for V Day dinner (yeah I prefer to avoid the craziness of celebrating it the day of). I did not make a reservation but nevertheless only waited 10 minutes or so. The guy sitting us was really nice and helpful as was our server. The bf had the lamb biryani and he liked it. I went for the lobster karahi and it had lots of lobster meat. The sauce that it comes with goes perfect with the basmati rice. Overall the restaurant has a romantic feeling to it perfect for vday dinner.
(4)Chuck N.
I signed onto Yelp just to give this review. My wife and I started going to the Royal Taj a couple of months ago. It is by far our favorite Indian restaurant in the suburban Maryland area. The food is consistently excellent and the portions are sizable. The lunch buffet has a wide variety (mild and spicy) of tasty selections and is very reasonably priced. The best aspect of the restaurant is the service. The staff are all extremely friendly and return to the table frequently. While my wife and I have only been visiting for a couple of months the staff recognize us. I just visited the Royal Taj tonight to pick up an order. I had just been at the gym, was still wearing my gym clothes, and it was nearly 100 degrees. I felt bad walking in even to just pickup an order. The staff still treated me extremely well and while waiting for my order they gave me an iced tea on the house. The Royal Taj lives up to its name with amazing Indian food and excellent customer service.
(5)Bradley D.
Game over! My go-to for dosa! If you've never had dosa, then you have to set your bar here at Royal Taj (f.k.a. India Delight); you'll definitely be hooked. The guy that makes it sets up his portable burner towards the back of the restaurant and is constantly making these for patrons. They're always hot and fresh 'cause they don't last on the serving trays. Just about everything I've had during lunch-time buffets are great; here are a few: Kapi Pakora, Vegetable Pakora and of course, dosa!
(5)Kyle C.
I was in the area for business (my home area is DC) and stopped by for the buffet. Food was great, service was great, decor was nice and piped in music was light classical. I wished they were closer so I could go more!
(5)Amit W.
Great food and great people .....highly recommended....
(4)Aija R.
Salmon tikka masala was great
(3)Su K.
I know it's Tuesday and it's pretty early in the morning, but let me throw a gauntlet at you, dear Yelper: Royal Taj is -the- best Indian dinner food in Suburban Maryland! My all-time favorites are in DC and BMore, but those can be far, parking isn't free, and Metro has been about as pleasant as having clammy hands tell you to turn and cough as of late, so for this suburbanite, Royal Taj is my favorite Indian game in town. Food - Some of you may have heard of the book: The Five Love Languages, which is fastly approaching Chicken Soup for the Soul for book title w/ the greatest number of blatantly commercialized editions. Su K.'s five love languages are: Pork, Beef, Chicken tikka masala, ice cream, and Chocolate. And Royal Taj speaks my 3rd love language so very well. The chicken tikka masala ($14.95) uses all white meat, which is typically a no-no in my book, mostly b/c the meat is usually terribly dry, but in this case, the meat was juicy! The sauce was if-I-didn't-have-this-cloth-napkin-on-my-lap-I'd-Âtotally-lick-this-bowl good. The sauce is a little thicker than most Indian places you may be used to, and in fact, much of their stuff is thicker and that could be due to the region of Indian food blah blah blah...all I know is that it tastes good! The saag paneer ($12.95) is another favorite. Delicious chunks of paneer (cheese) swimming in really thick and tasty spinach curry. It's certainly not the most appetizing dish, especially for a parent who may or may not have seen something similar produced in a pair of Pamper's, but it's so good. And the naan ($2.25 for 2 decent sized pieces)! I'd use it for a pillow if I could. Fluffy and served piping hot, the outside is crunchy but the inside is chewy. Personally, I feel like they should give a small piece of this w/ every meal b/c it would be a travesty if someone didn't try this naan. The entrees are served in those round dishes typical at most restaurants but they don't do anything fancy w/ them like put it over a tea light. Those dishes always initially anger me b/c the portion looks so tiny, but you gotta give it to Indian ingenuity: it's like the bowl that keeps on giving. The green and red chutneys were excellent; the tamarind chutney was on the bland side. Most entrees are $15 and the vegetarian dishes run about $13. They also serve a lunch buffet every day ($10.95M-F, $11.95 Sat/Sun). The selection is excellent, the dessert is tasty, but the naan isn't nearly as good. The best Indian lunch buffet in the Columbia area. Location - my favorite Indian lunch buffet is still India Gate in Laurel, which is tough to beat at $7.95! But they got slammed w/ one Yelper saying, "PS: Both ethnically Indian reviewers of this restaurant give it a whopping one star. Take that as you will." Fair enough, and I will agree that at the price point and w/ the shabby interior, it's a terrible choice for dinner. At Royal Taj, however, nearly all the diners while we were there were Indian. Take that as you will. It's located across the street from the shopping center on Snowden River Pkwy that some planner decided was a good idea to build entirely out of giant anchor stores. The interior is pretty nice judging by the Su K. Embarrassment Scale: my wardrobe (and I use that term lightly) on most days is a Th-shirt (Threadless or Thrift Store) and jeans. I initially felt an 8 out of 10 on the embarrassment scale b/c they had cloth napkins and silverware set out on the tables, but that subsided to a 6 when the host smiled at me and didn't treat me like I was in a lower caste. Service - we went for a late dinner so there were only a handful of patrons, but the service was excellent. I use a ton of chutney so I usually get thirsty. Shockingly, my water was refilled regularly and without me having to ask. The owner/manager was pretty cool...as Cedric the Entertainer might say, I'm a grown man...I ain't gettin ready to call no other dude charming. House of India and Akbar are decent choices in Columbia, and Mango Grove is vegetarian, so there's no way Su K. thought spending $$ on Tofu and curries was worth it. So if chicken tikka masala or Indian food is one of your love languages, head to Royal Taj!
(5)Sarah W.
Wow, went here based on the recommendation of two picky Indian friends, and it was every bit as good as they said. They had a great selection on the buffet, with the standard relishes and chutneys, salad, chicken tikka masala, chana masala, saag, tandoori chicken, tandoori naan, vegetable fritters, and aloo ghobi that you often find on a buffet, but they also had extras, including dosas, masala chai, sambar, potato fritters, fish curry, and some other entrees that you don't find at most buffets. Everything was spectacular except for one of the pickles, which might be an acquired taste...it was really salty, but I don't know if maybe it was supposed to be that way and you use it to season something else?? I never know what to do with those anyway and rarely take any, so it doesn't affect my opinion of the restaurant at all. The chutneys were otherwise very good. The entrees and dosas were REALLY good. The chicken tikka had a nice smoky flavor-it wasn't common and was absolutely delicious, and it wasn't greasy or overloaded with cream. There was someone making fresh dosas at the buffet, so they were fantastic. I often prefer to go outside of buffet times for Indian food because the food is often better, but everything at this buffet was of the quality that you would expect if you were ordering it fresh. I didn't try the desserts because I was seriously stuffed, but the other people couldn't get enough of the gulab jamun. I also ordered a mango lassi after seeing every Indian person that came in ordered one. It was phenomenal-pure mango goodness-not sickeningly sweet and not too much dairy. The service was great as well. The manager offered to carry my tea to my table so I could carry my plate at the buffet, and all of the waiters were very attentive. They were also accommodating in letting us take up a table for longer when some friends were running late. Definitely worth trying if you're craving good Indian food!
(5)Valerie S.
This place should never get anything less than 5 stars. My boyfriend and I are always searching for good indian food places and this is the best. He ordered the chicken tikka masala and I the lamb do piaza. They were both amazing. The lamb was tender and the seasonings were just right. Not only that the sever, Eddie was so helpful. He even gave us a free sampler of the seekh kabobs AND a free desert. The owner came up and asked us about our experience. Ive never had better service anywhere. Go to Royal Taj tonight! The only thing I would say is the portion size is a little small, but still filing.
(5)Robyn F.
We love this restaurant! The food is great and the customer service is impeccable. Every time we go to Royal Taj, we are greeted by one of the owners, and he genuinely recognizes and remembers us - by name! They really make us feel welcome. They are not overbearing, but always make sure you have everything you need and are extremely accomodating. I am a vegetarian and I absolutely love their Vegetable Jalfrezi. My boyfriend is not a vegetarian, and he says the chicken korma is a little slice of heaven. The owners are great business people and recognize the importance of a great dining experience to get repeat business. I always get at least two (sometimes three) meals out of my dish, and the prices are reasonable. We highly recommend this restaurant! See Sheri H.'s review for more details - she's spot on!
(5)Annie K.
I love this place. Located in a sea of Indian restaurants in the Columbia area, this is traditional style Indian food where the non-vegetarian dishes actually taste good. I love the tandoori chicken and I love the lamb saag. The owner is a great guy and always give us a free gulab jamun at the end of meal which makes me smile because it's goooooood!
(4)Mathew M.
Believe the hype. Great food and great service. I left fully stuffed - good portion sizes and a free dessert at the end! Prices are a little on the high end though $16 and up for dinner entrees. I recommend the Lamb Vindaloo - nice and spicy and the Chicken Biryani.
(4)R S.
You want real Indian food? Then look no further than Royal Taj This is the best restaurant in the DC-Baltimore Metro area Service is top notch and the owner/managers are really down to earth and friendly. Everything on the menu is recommended (non-veg and veg) The full bar is also stacked with various liquors, beers and wines. 5+
(5)Ktb M.
I felt like a Queen for the evening at the Royal Taj! The service was outstanding with many courteous employees frequently checking to see if we needed anything. The decor of the restaurant is eclectic and welcoming. We did not have to wait for a table but did arrive later in the evening for dinner. The Royal Taj restaurant was my very first taste of Indian cuisine. The server was very patient and helped me decide what to order. The food was superb! I especially enjoyed the lamb raganjosh and the vegetable samosas. The basmati rice was so delectable that I threw out my Minute white rice when I got home. I can't wait to go back for the lunch buffet so that I can try a variety of dishes!
(5)Mary W.
As other reviewers previously mentinoned, Indian Delight is now called Royal Taj & they serve buffet (7 days a week). Lunch is $10 on the weekdays & $10.95 on weekends! Although my only previous encounter with Indian food was in Home Economics class, when a classmate's mom came in & made Green Chutney, veggie "tempura" & mango lassi, I was really impressed with Royal Tag. And according to my boyfriend, who eats Indian food more frequently than I do, it was pretty good too. I guess I'll have to bring an Indian friend with me one day to find out for sure! The Chicken tikka masala was pretty good and the Lamb curry was even better (even though I am not a huge fan of lamb). The lamb was really tender and flavorful, despite being in a big pot that's constantly being heated. And the naan was also really well made, despite sitting under a heated lamp for periods of time. It must be because they're always quickly replenished! They also make these crepe things filled with curried veggies on the spot! The milk tea, rice pudding & other dessert (I can't remember the name. . .it was a dish that had fried dough spheres cooked in a sweet sauce) were also really good. Although mango lassi, sodas & juices come with additional cost, the milk tea is included in the price of your meal! To top it all off, the service was excellent! I have never met such courteous and accommodating staff :)
(4)Jamie H.
Sorry I have to be a stick in the mud. While I agree the food is worth four stars and the service also. Feeling rushed and seeing a creepy crawly crawling on the buffet table kills my appetite. It's sad but not being sanity is absolutely revolting.
(1)Todd K.
I really enjoy going here. I've been for dinner a handful of times and for lunch buffet. Both are great. I've had chicken tikka masala, salmon tikka masala, somosas. Delicious. The service is second to none, its that good.
(5)Sonia P.
As an Indian person, I approve. They have fresh Dosas in their lunch buffet too!
(5)Todd B.
Awesome lamb vindaloo and shimp vindaloo! Also enjoyed the chicken tikka mesalla.
(4)Howard M.
I ate here with some co-workers a few nights ago and really liked it. Good service and good food. Be aware that medium hot is actually very mild - at least by my standards.
(4)Drew C.
The services were incredible! The food were very very good (and authentic). We got green okra (forget the name), eggplants (forget the name, but it's a must), and some chicken tandori. I rarely come back to new restaurants, but I'll certainly come back to this one with friends.
(5)Kelli B.
Everything was so...great. You really feel your being given attention. The food was made to order. The manager came over and checked on not only us but everyone in the restaurant. Did I say that the food was great, because it was. We will be back.
(5)xyzzy x.
One of the real gems in Howard County! Exceptionally good Northern India-style food...the lamb saag and malai kofta are my favorites. Vegetarians take note: you will love this place! The wait staff is very attentive and professional-but-friendly, and the owner (Binda) is what every restauranteur should aspire to be -- a warm and welcoming host and overall nice guy! The lunch buffet is very good, but come here for dinner if you truly want to have a special dining experience. The lunch crowd seems to largely consist of the geeks that work for the local high-tech companies, while the dinner crowd usually has a lot of Indian families there -- definitely a good sign. This place has my vote for best restaurant in HoCo, as well as one of the best Indian restaurants in the metro-Balto/DC area.
(5)Julekha D.
There is no shortage of Indian restaurants in Greater Baltimore. But finding a good one is tough. Finding one that is exceptional in both food and service is damn near impossible. Luckily, a colleague's tip took us to Royal Taj. We got takeout, but next time we'll eat in because the waiters were so friendly. The chat papri, aloo gobi and chicken tikka were all delicious. I couldn't believe how tender the chicken was. It was most certainly marinated for a long time, as it should be, unlike a certain overrated Charles Village restaurant that shall not be named. I highly recommend this place. It's the best Indian restaurant we have been to in Greater Baltimore.
(5)Dave F.
I went back again, this time for their lunch buffet (12.95) The place was nearly packed and the food was good. There was plenty meat dishes too, all the various sauces as well. The only thing they did not have that I would have wanted was gulab jamun, which they had when I was here for dinner once and theirs were good. Service was great as usual. The main host guy was the same as before and he always comes around a few times and asks to make sure things are okay. The waiters keep the water coming as well and take plates when you're finish almost immediately, though I did not feel they were watching us like hawks. Their english was also very good, especially the host's. For the buffet, they had the naan on the buffet rather than bringing it to you, which could be helpful if you want more than they usually bring you. They had some typical dishes, but here were some of the ones they had out: -Chicken Tikka Masala -Tandoori Chicken -Mutter Paneer -Lamb Biryani -Vegetable Samosa -Vegetable Pakora -Alu Saag -Kheer -Daal Mahkani They had another 5 or 6 dishes out as well, but I cannot remember their names. They even had some sort of soup, but I did not have any. This buffet would probably be even better than the one at their biggest competitor down the street, though theirs was not bad either.
(5)Chris V.
Good experience for a Sunday buffet that we drove a little out-of-the-way for. Service was A++, food was just ok. Was trying Royal Taj for the 1st time with a friend, his first time trying Indian food. I hyped it up, maybe too much, was just ok with the taste. Owner/manager was awesome.
(3)Danielle J.
OMG, I took a friend here for her belated bday dinner... I knew in advance that it's a little more expensive than the average Indian restaurant, but with all the great reviews I had to try it! We considered a few in Mt. Vernon, but this place has one thing that the others do not... FREE AND EASY PARKING. Anyway.... This was one of the best experiences I've had in a long time!! The manager greeted me and motioned to a table by the window and asked if that was ok before seating me! He cracked a joke as he handed the menu and the night was off to a great start! All of the servers were attentive.... we got 2 types of naan and mulligatawny soup to start... it was our first time trying the soup, and I actually was expecting something completely different. The flavor was on the subtle side for Indian, in my opinion, but I can't say I didn't like it because it was just not at all what I was expecting. We loved the trio of sauces that they bring to start with, and I ended up putting the cilantro-ish one in my soup for added flavor. For entrees we shared the chicken tikka masala and the lamb korma. LKMFKERFKEJNGJ. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!! I will say, we ordered them both "medium" and the tikka masala had much more of a heat-intensity to the spice than I'm used to, and we both agreed we'd go with mild on that next time, but the lamb korma... I am salivating just thinking about it! GAH! I'm usually hesitant to order lamb because sometimes it's just so fatty, but Royal Taj was on their A-game with this lamb! Tender, not fatty... paired with the sauce it was superb! We each took the remainder of an entree, as we couldn't finish either, and after that we both had a delicious cup of chai tea. The next part is what made the night... we were obviously catching up, and people were rolling in... I noticed no one waited for more than 10 minutes, but they did not bring us the check for at least a half hour after our tea. I was impressed, as most places these days are quick to boot!! Even when we got the check the manager said, "ladies, no rush, please enjoy your time here." (I could tell he meant it!) HELLO, YOU JUST MADE A LIFETIME GUEST OUT OF ME! I can't wait to go back for the lunch buffet and for dinner!!
(5)Roger F.
Ever since I lost my sweet spot for Kumari in Baltimore, I had been looking for a great Indian buffet in the Baltimore area for whenever I visit my parents. Thanks to Yelp, I located India Delight (I never would have found it on my own, given that there's no other reason to go into that shopping center), and I am happy to report that I have now found my go-to Indian food. The buffet costs $10.95 on the weekend, which puts it right around average, but I've been to many Indian buffets in my day, and I have to say that India Delight pretty much blows all of them away as far as selection. They even have hot chai tea included in the buffet, and a whole extra table of pakoras and other specialties you never see at any other buffet. Another high point was that the chicken tikka masala was delicious and consisted of very high quality chicken (unlike many other Indian places). This point is not to be underrated. My only disappointment was that they had rasmalai rather than rice pudding, but the waiter mentioned that they usually do have rice pudding, so hopefully they'll have that next time I go there. I also have to mention that the management were very professional and service-oriented, and they were asking everyone what they thought of the food, etc. The restaurant is also very clean and well-kept - you can tell that they really care about the customer's experience. All the more reason I'll be back!
(4)Leyali R.
Had a quiet Monday evening dinner at the restaurant itself. The atmosphere was comfortable, the service fantastic, and the food delicious. The appetizer papads were flaky and fried in fresh oil. In addition to previously enjoyed dishes, we tried the chaat appetizer (an absolute delight, and I wouldn't have minded another dollop of yogurt) and the bangain bharta- imparted with just enough of a smokey flavor and excellent seasoning. While we were quite full after dinner, our waiter brought us perfectly warmed and flavorful gulab jamuns for dessert on the house, and we found that a lovely gesture and couldn't resist them. A random aside, I found the choice of Western classical music piping softly in the restaurant a tad incongruous with the theme, but am certain that RT is attempting to differentiate itself from the typical classical-sitar-playing background that so many other Indo restaurants in the area have. They also had a nice small bar area in the place. Overall, my excellent opinion of this restaurant stands, and we will definitely return to check out the weekend lunch buffet offerings soon.
(4)Joe G.
Fantastic service and excellent food! We came there first because the Japanese place in Columbia was closed and found this on our GPS. It was really a great find. Very rarely do you find that good service in Indian restaurants. The staff was really helpful and very thoughtful throughout the service The food was outstanding. The curries had plenty of heat and everything was spiced nicely. I would love to go back again soon. The venue is clean and wasn't very crowded and slow moving. If I had one complaint, it would be that it cost a little bit more than I had hoped to pay but good food is worth the cost, I suppose!
(4)P B.
Outstanding hospitality and wonderful Indian cuisine. Pleasing decor and classy bar. Seemed to be very popular - we arrived early at 5pm when they opened and 3 tables filled immediately. By 6:15 when we left it was almost full, with several groups walking in the door. The Yelp* 4.5 star rating was well deserved. Our first visit was a great one and we'll definitely be back.
(5)Tee B.
Food fantastic. Service wonderful. Decor - on point. The only detraction was right at the very end when the waiter was boxing up our leftover food - somehow he forgot the idea that he wasn't supposed to put his GRIMY BARE HANDS ALL OVER my Naan bread.
(5)Jim S.
Been here twice. The first time was with a colleague who highly recommended it, and we had the lunch buffet. That was fantastic. The second time just yesterday with my wife for dinner on the way home. She never had Indian food before. We both were wowed by the experience. Food and service were perfect. Price is very reasonable. Staff strives for and achieves perfect service. Go here for fine Indian dining. You don't find may places like this, and I don't give many places 5 stars.
(5)Tony P.
A recent addition to this strip mall after the previous pizza occupant had closed down. The facility is roomy, modern and clean with very elegant brass service pots for their buffet which costs $9.95. It's not the cheapest Indian food buffet offering in the area but it does have more chicken/fish dishes than the other places which tend to have a preponderance of vegetables. The dishes are savory, eclectic and delectable. I especially appreciate the spicy chutneys as well.
(4)Sheri W.
Last night my boyfriend and I were looking for a quick bite so that we could try to catch the Columbia fireworks from a distant location. After finding locked doors to all of the "American food" places, we headed into Royal Taj which was highly recommended to me several months ago, only to be told that they too were closing. As we, a famished boyfriend and a frustrated girlfriend, left with no more ideas about where to go, the owner appoached us and told us that they would serve us since they were still going to be there. I thought my boyfriend was going to bear hug the owner and we both thanked the owner several times for agreeing to serve us. Soon after being seated, the owner came over and asked us what we'd like to drink. When I said that water was fine for me (even though wine would have been a Last night my boyfriend and I were looking for a quick bite so that we could try to catch the Columbia fireworks from a distant location. After finding locked doors to all of the "American food" places, we headed into Royal Taj which was highly recommended to me several months ago, only to be told that they too were closing. As we, a famished boyfriend and a frustrated girlfriend, left with no more ideas about where to go, the owner appoached us and told us that they would serve us since they were still going to be there. I thought my boyfriend was going to bear hug the owner and we both thanked the owner several times for agreeing to serve us. Soon after being seated, the owner came over and asked us what we'd like to drink. When I said that water was fine for me (even though wine would have been a fabulous idea to help calm my nerves), the owner said that my wine would be comped and asked what wine I'd like. My boyfriend then ordered his usual, a Taj Mahal, as we were finally able to relax and take in the atmosphere. The owner continued to wait on us for our dinner and what I really liked, which many Indian restaurants don't do, is that I was asked how spicy I wanted my vegetable korma on a scale of one to ten. Since I am not one for spice, I said a lame 1. My boyfriend ordered a mixed grill and when our food arrived, we were both impressed with the taste and portion size. We also ordered a plain Naan which my boyfriend used to eat his mixed grill. We both really liked our entrees and were then pleasantly surprised with a free sweet treat, gulab jamun, at the end of the meal. We both left feeling full and I had enough for an entire second meal. As frequenters of many local Indian restaurants, we were so incredibly impressed with the owner's hospitality and both his and his staff's attentiveness to us even though we were keeping them from leaving early. This is our new favorite place for Indian and we greatly appreciate all that the owner and his staff did to make us feel welcome.
(5)Frank J.
Will go back. Good food, cool interior, good service...no complaints at all. Reasonably priced. Comp'ed a free beer by host for 20 minute wait for a table. I didn't ask or complain.
(5)N S.
This is honestly the best Indian restaurant in a very large radius that I believe reaches well into DC. We drive up from Silver Spring. Service is great. Food is great. I will continue to patronize Royal Taj!
(4)Michael R.
Went here last night (for Dinner, Not Buffet) with my father after reading the yelp reviews, and I was absolutely not dissapointed! The Owners Son greeted us as family upon entering the lobby area, the staff was above and beyond responsive, even those that were not directly servicing our table. The son came by our table multiple times to check on our meal, and the most important part- the food! the dishes were wonderful & spiced to our specifications perfectly. Overall, Highly recommend it
(5)Gunnar V.
Just wanted to add another 5 star review for Royal Taj. Want to know a pet peeve of mine? When my glass goes empty and remains that way. At Royal Taj, I see the wait staff, and they see me seeing them, and they see my Coke getting down to 1/3 capacity and they are on it. 100% uptime, Coke is go. They know I am going to go on Yelp and ring them up for 5 stars. The food is also excellent, as good or better than any Indian buffet I have eaten. There is a dosa chef there. They cook the dosa a little darker than I like them, but it's really not an issue since I pass on them in favor of chicken tikka, saag, and aloo mattar. Not the cheapest buffet -- I think it's $10.95, but what are you gonna do, save $2 and sit there with an empty glass?
(5)Roo S.
This is the best Indian food I have ever had and I am Indian...so it's saying a lot. The owner is OFF THE CHAIN! He always hooks us up with stuff and greets us at the door with a hug. The quality of the food is amazing and I would recommend to anyone over any other Indian restaurant anyday. I would recommend to go at night and eat dinner because that is when you truly get the authentic and fresh flavors in their cooking because they are personalized for you. The buffet is good too and you get to try many things if you don't know what you like. It does take time to get a seat here, but if the place were any bigger, they would not be able to keep up and the quality of the food would go down. TRY THIS PLACE OUT...its AWESOME
(5)David C.
The best Indian food outside of the Middle East
(5)Nicholas C.
There's a reason this place is always full during lunch. Good food. Wish the vegetarian selection was a little bigger during lunch buffet, but still good.
(4)Katrina M.
My husband and I tried this place after a movie on a Saturday evening. We were a little concerned we'd have to wait, but we were able to get in immediately. The restaurant presents itself very well; crisp white table cloths and candle light at each table. Don't feel misplaced if you're in jeans, nobody cares. There are many servers that attend to you and make sure you're not lacking in anything. The manager came to introduce himself and welcome us. He even offered us a Taj Mahal beer on the house (I like very much, hints of honey, goes very well with the dishes, but a larger bottle). I enjoyed everything very much. I did not try the chicken masala because my husband wouldn't let me, but I'm taking that as the ultimate of compliments to the restaurant. :) I love the saag paneer. Sooooo good. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Bob R.
Go here for the lunch buffet. The chicken tikka marsala and the naan bread are out of this world!
(5)N T.
After a mediocre experience here this evening, I have to wonder whether the owners somehow screen/edit the restaurant reviews on yelp. I definitely wasn't impressed. Let's start with being seated. It took about 15 minutes since it was Saturday night, no problem. A waiter poured water as we were taking our seats. Then we were ready to order drinks and appetizers. So we waited. And waited. And noticed that other tables were getting served papadam as soon as they sat down, and we still hadn't. About 10 minutes after we sat, we got papadum and the waiter then asked us if we were ready to order. Please note - no one asked if we wanted drinks (as is customary when you go to a restaurant). He took our orders and left. When our food arrived, I was excited for the paneer tikka I had ordered. Usually this dish is marinated in yogurt and spices before it is grilled, so it is a rich tan or red color and sizzling. This paneer was white. Okay, maybe they just use different spices. Nope, it was plain and flavorless. I actually had to use the sauces from the other dishes as well as the chutneys from the papadum in order to have some taste. The strange thing is, I had ordered this dish SPICY! Our other dishes - Punjabi Khadi and Malai Kofta - were average. The Kofta - little cutlets in sauce - were very tough and hard to cut into pieces. Usually they are so tender that they melt when you apply a little pressure with your fork. Overall, neither of these dishes was anything to write home about. As we were nearing the end of our meal, one of the waiters came by to ask how everything was. Everyone gave the typical "ok, good," type answers. But I called him over and told him that - though the paneer tikka was cooked well - I was disappointed by the lack of flavor and color. His response : "Oh, that's how we make it here. We don't use the red, that's food coloring." UMMMM....... If you say so, but sir, I also asked for it spicy. This, again, is bland. "Oh. Well do you want me to have them make it again?" At this point, there were TWO pieces of paneer left on the plate, out of maybe 12 or 15 to start with. Usually, when I go to a restaurant, the server comes over towards the BEGINNING of the meal to ask how everything is, not the end. Maybe if he had come by at the beginning, I would have wanted my meal re-made. Except for the fact that he just told me that bland and flavorless is "how they make it here". So thanks, but no thanks. Several members of our party also ordered dessert. Everyone agreed that we could make them better at home - standard flavors like cardamom were missing. Oh, I almost forgot! The restaurant is very dimly lit and I know that's part of the ambiance. One member of our party commented that the art on the wall was very hard to see, and it would be nice to have some sort of lights in the ceiling that were suspended from the ceiling just above the art so that it could be seen. He decided to give the suggestion to the waiter. Now, if I were a server and someone told me something that I disagreed with, or just didn't want to hear, I would have just been like "thanks for the suggestion, sir." Instead, this guy was like "well, this is a restaurant...art isn't the focus." It kinda rubbed me the wrong way - after the paneer tikka excuse, this just seemed like another excuse/explanation. Just smile and nod! When the waiter presented our bill, he noted that he had comped the desserts. I appreciate that, but the $5 or less (not sure how much it cost) dessert wasn't the issue I had. It was the $15.95 paneer tikka that I complained about, and if you were going to comp anything, I think that would have been the appropriate choice. I do appreciate the gesture, but it was a little misdirected. I guess my expectations for this Indian restaurant were higher given the stellar reviews that I read on yelp before going there. But in my opinion, it was no better than any of the other Indian restaurants that I've visited in my lifetime - and it was nowhere close to authentic home-cooked Indian food.
(2)Nasir D.
The service is great. The servers are very attentive and the person in charge personally comes by and makes sure everything is alright. The interior decorating is tasteful.
(3)Malcolm G.
Good buffet lunches. Lots of ghee. Very tasty. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
(4)Marlon G.
This place is awesome. I have to admit, I am picky about food and can sometimes be hesitant to try ethnic food due to the unknown. When I visited here, staff were so friendly and willing to answer various questions I had about the buffet. I've had the buffet everytime I come here. It really is something else. In a very good way. The variety is excellent, food is fresh and very well made. I appreciate their usage of white meat chicken breast unlike other Indian restaurants I have frequented. The buffet is an excellent value. I only wish they had the buffet during the weeknights. Actually, it is probably for the best that they don't, because I would be there much too often.
(5)Joe G.
Been here for lunch buffet and for dinner. It's a little dark for evening service, but the food is spectacular. And the quality doesn't decrease when it's put out in mass for the lunch buffet. It's difficult to not stuff my face with Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Curry. Every time I leave, it's with a huge smile on my face. The staff is very friendly and after three visits they already recognize me a bit.
(5)Rick U.
What a great deal for lunch, buffet has a great selection of veggies plates, multiple meat dishes and the server's are very attentive. The decor is really nice with dark earth tones contrasting nicely with the whites of the table settings. A real find, can't wait to try it for dinner some night.
(5)lisa m.
went with the fam this past friday for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by this gem in suburban maryland. the restaurant itself had a nice ambience- decorated with some nice indian touches and candlelit. but hands down the best part is, it was clean! thats a precursor to good food right there. being brown, we are pretty critical when it comes to indian food, and if the rents approved you know it was a good meal! the food was delicious and spicy- the chicken curry, lamb curry were flavorful and not heavy. i got the baigan bharta (eggplant with spices) and it was one of the best i had. nothing was greasy and your stomach survived. good times! also, the manager was so nice - a nice change from your standard indian restaurant, and even honored a coupon my brother had forgotten. talk about great service. the food and service will definitely make me come back!
(4)Ola O.
This is a really Nice place to dine. The food is absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!! HOT!!!!! GREAT!!!!! I mean I am short of words. The atmosphere is really nice even though crowded. The owner is sooo hospitable. We had to wait for a long time and I had my baby and toddler with me, needless to say my toddler was getting restless and was walking around the door way. I honestly thought the owner would be a little upset seeing people were waiting to be seated. However, he was soo nice and even stopped to play with my baby. I only gave 4 star because if you do not make reservations, be prepared to wait for a while.
(4)Lani C.
The staff are super, super helpful and nice. We had four or five different servers come up to our table to refresh our appetizers, serve us food, check up on us, clear the table, fill our glasses, etc. They were simply fantastic. Now the food. I eat at lots of Indian places because my boyfriend is vegetarian. I am not a huge fan of Indian food, but I do get a hankering for some paneer or vindaloo. The food here is so fragrant, well spiced, and flavorful. I tried the chicken biryani and it was $15 (not including tax). I would say that's a bit on the pricey side, but well worth the money considering how tasty it was and the face that I had enough leftovers for a small meal. My boyfriend ordered the shahi paneer ($13) and when the server was boxing our leftovers, he brought some extra rice for us to take home. I also got the Kingfisher beer ($6), which originates from Bangalore, India, and is a good, solid ale. To top it off, another staff member came by asking if we were new to the establishment, and when we said we were, they sent us over a complimentary dessert! Summary: service was A+++, food was finger-lickin' good.
(5)D F.
Food, service, etc. is all fantastic. My only complaint would be the wait on a busy night, so plan ahead if you're going on weekend. Seating order is a little haphazard. We ended up getting seated after two groups that arrived after us. We didn't complain about it, but the host actually realized the mistake and brought us drinks on the house in an effort to make up for the inconvenience of having to wait a little longer to be seated.
(5)Marko M.
Absolutely the best Indian in the Baltimore area. Liz and I chose the malai tandoor and the mixed tandoor ... both gave us huge quantities of amazing meat. Service was a unique treat here as well, and we were even given a complementary masala and dessert. Amazing and beyond recommended.
(5)Steven S.
Would be plain wrong if I didn't write a review. Good people. Good Food. Good time. It's that simple. Best lunch buffet that you're going to find in the area....maybe even the entire DC/Baltimore Area. Never had Indian before? Give this place a try. You'll be back.
(5)Worldhopping M.
We eat indian food regularly - both dining out as well as cooking at home. Royal Taj is the best indian food we've ever head. Starting with the papad and chutney, we thought we may be salivating, simply from hunger rather than th pure deliciousness of the green chutney. But then came the paneer tikka appetizer, the malai kofta and the chana masala. The table was silent for the next 10 minutes of serious consumption. The only interruptions were the occasional "this is the best food I've ever had", "omg, this is amazing", "this is sooooo good!"....seriously...I never go crazy about a restaurant as I am about this place. I only wish there was one in my state, but this gives me even more reason to keep coming back to MD!
(5)Shardul M.
We had the lunch buffet on a Saturday. Food was good. Not the best Indian food, but still enjoyable. Unfortunately, we got some attitude from the staff when it came time to pay the bill. It was scribbled in illegible handwriting. A staff member came up as I frowned at the bill, but then said, "Sorry, you'll have to speak to my manager." He brought someone else, so we naturally assumed he must have authority to answer out question. Instead we got attitude and he said "I cannot help you. You need to speak to the manager." Finally, the actual manager arrived. To his credit, he immediately offered to rectify the bill and the world turned again. Rather needless confusion to what could have been a fine dining experience.
(3)Kristilee S.
By far the best Indian I have ever experienced. The atmosphere is so great too. The staff and food make this place somewhere where you want to return. I have had the experience to enjoy both their lunch buffet (AMAZING) and a quiet dinner there. Both stood out in their own way and I was completely impressed, this is definitely my Indian go to and I would recommend it to anyone!
(5)Jane S.
Went there for the lunch buffet. The chicken tikka masala is great. Service was great and friendly. Must try this place again!
(5)David U.
Excellent Northern Indian Cuisine! A true gem in Columbia, MD. The service is excellent and if you like Chicken Tika Marsala - probably the best around! The ambiance is upscale but the prices are reasonable.
(4)Sapna B.
I'm not a big fan of buffets in general, but I have to admit, this is definitely the best INDIAN buffet I've had. I came here last weekend with my fiancé, future mother-in-law and my parents. We came around 2 p.m. which was close to their closing time. For appetizers I had the vegetable pakora, chicken tikka and tandoori chicken. The pakora was too cold and really not that great. The chicken tikka was a little dry but the tandoori chicken was really great. For lunch, I had fish curry, chicken tikka masala and saag. The saag was WAY too salty. The chicken tikka masala would've been better if it had been hot and same goes for the fish curry (although I think the fish curry was also too salty). The naans were great after we had asked for them fresh out of the oven. For dessert, I appreciated the fact that they brought out fresh gulab jamuns and kheer for our table since they were all out in the buffet, but I really wanted rasmalai and they were out and wouldn't replenish it since it was closing time. Why they were only willing to give us certain desserts and not others is beyond me. I don't think I'd be back for their buffet, but I'd be interested in trying their a la carte menu.
(3)Kalpesh S.
This place is great and I luv the selection in the lunch buffet. It has new things everytime and that is what sets this place apart from its great competition down the road (house of india). Dinner is a la carte and can be made to your order. I am a bit of an indian food connoisseur since I am Indian and had many variations of it. i also eat out a lot and am a vegetarian. Service is always fabulous here.
(4)Molly K.
WOW!! This place was amazing. Tandoori lamb chops medium rare - the most tender cut of meat I have ever had and very flavorful. Everything from the rice to the lamb to the chicken to the vegetables had such an amazing array of spices. Wonderful service too, everyone was very friendly and happy. Enjoyed a glass of wine on the house, as well as a delicious desert that was like a really sweet and tender donut. This place was so good we were already making plans to come back again halfway through dinner. YUM!!!
(5)Steve N.
Loved the variety but I only wanted samosa's added to the list. Owners were very nice and I think the price is fair. Their tea is awesome!!
(4)Michael G.
Absolutely delicious Indian food and fantastic service. Have had the Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken. The naan is very good and they give you a free little dessert snack at the end. Everyone that I've taken has been impressed. Keep up the awesome food, Royal Taj! ... Lunch buffet is a great choice during the day too!
(5)Twinkie M.
Fantastic food and great service!! The chicken tikka masala is terrific!! I just found my new Indian food place! :)
(4)Eileen L.
Heard a lot of good things about this place. Went there for lunch with my office and it was wonderful. Crowded but wonderful. Definately worth the wait for a table. The staff were very friendly and attentive and the variety was unlike anything I have ever seen at an Indian Buffet.
(4)Kerry B.
I have nothing but great things to say about the Royal Taj. The food was delicious - complex flavors, potent spices, succulent meat. And not overly sweet the way some American indian restaurants serve dishes. We got the chicken murgh, chicken korma, and chicken tikka masala with garlic naan. We ordered 2 mango lassies, and when the manager came over to check on our meals, he brought us a third on the house. Our waiter was funny, solicitous, and on point with keeping water glasses full. The meal was extremely reasonably priced, and some of the best Indian food I've had. I would definitely return next time I'm in the area!
(5)Rasi W.
I would add to the many reviews here and second that the food here is truly good. It's not the cheapest, and I hate that it's somewhat far away from where I live, but still great food. Went with my wife and obnoxious 2 year old, and despite her making an entire mess of that restaurant they were very accomodating and nice about it. Would recommend this place for good Indian food in a heartbeat. It sucks that it's not as close to me as I would like.
(5)Tommy_n_Loretta C.
Hands down the best Indian food I have had in my life. It exceeded my expectations! I look forward to going back again. The service was impeccable.
(5)Viral P.
great food and ambiance! one of the best places for indian food in columbia, maryland area, without any doubt.
(5)Brandima A.
The American disease has entered the kitchen of this restuarant and made the food blandish and quantity over quality. I hope this was not a regular occurance and I am not sure how many times this place has changed hands over the years. It is still Indian. I like Indian food.
(3)Jasmine P.
Service, check. Tasty food, check. Relaxing ambience, check. Wonderful experience, check. While it was my first time at the Royal Taj, I can thoroughly and confidently say that it was a wonderful experience. As soon as my girlfriends and I walked into the door, we were greeted by a host who set up a booth for us immediately. The setting of the restaurant was dim and lit in all the right places. Overall, the ambience was very classy, yet relaxed... Although I'm not too familiar with Indian cuisine, the servers there were more than willing to help us choose an entree. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, and it was delicious! The chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. My girlfriend ordered the Lamb Biryani and it, too, was seasoned to perfection. The service was impeccable. The host came around to our table striking a small conversation with us. He provided one of my other girlfriends, who was sick, with a complimentary drink to soothe her cold. Needless to say, this will not be my last time at the Royal Taj. Fellow Yelpers, you can mark my words... this place is a hidden treasure. And, if you like authentic Indian food, this is the spot to go!
(5)Greg S.
My spouse and I ventured out for a taste of Indian cuisine on a Friday evening. It was approximately 8pm when we entered and the line was out the door .I was a tad bit disappointed because I called early in the day to make a reservation for 8 pm and I was told reservations were only available 5- 7 pm ( I was told we could walk in at 8). Upon entry I could not help but notice the Indian art framed in neon lights, comfortable dim lighting and the relaxing ambiance. As we waited we received a friendly greeting from the owner/manager and he assured us we would be taken care of ASAP. After a brief 15 min wait we were seated and treated like royalty. Our order consisted of Tandoori Lamb chops. Tandoori Chicken, Naan, and white rice. I was delighted with the combination of Indian spices and the mouthwatering smell of the dishes when they arrived still sizzling.The service, friendliness and food were top notch. We shall return to explore the menu in depth!
(4)H C.
The main host was very good. All the buffet food was good with the exception of the "tandoori Chicken". Was very very juicy and great!!!! And the carrot Halwa was incredible!!!!! Very small space buttery nice ambiance and good food
(4)W H.
Best lamb chops ever. Great service, very friendly and good atmosphere. Reservations recommend for a Friday night.
(5)Natalie F.
Have only been here for the lunch buffet and really wasn't too impressed. I can't believe they didn't have any vegetable samosas! There were a lot of vegetarian options but nothing too impressive. I would rather go down the street to House of India.
(2)Mit P.
Awful service by a waiter, had an attitude problem. Food is good but service was horrible.
(1)Abby G.
The food and the service at Royal Taj are both exceptional! My husband had Chicken Saag, I had Chicken Korma, and our friend had Chicken Tikka Masala. We also had an order of regular naan and garlic naan. Everything was fresh and perfectly spiced. The manager came over twice to check on us, and even gave my friend a mango lassi on the house when he saw her glass was empty. The servers never let our water glasses dip below half-way full, and more rice was provided before we even asked. Our every need was anticipated. Absolutely excellent! Worth the 45 min drive from Arlington!
(5)MaryFoodie M.
Food was tasty. Ambience was great. Items are a little pricey but it's worth.
(4)Kirt M.
Good Indian food with awesome service.....good place for lunch in Columbia....BUT come EARLY the line begins out the door on a good day. Veggie Dosa's made to order can't be beat. Friendly staff is a plus.
(5)Yoo-Jin K.
The Royal Taj is by far one of my most favorite Indian restaurants. The atmosphere is clean, relaxing, and a touch of fancy. The food is always warm and delicious and the service is excellent. I couldn't recommend it enough!
(5)Alexandra M.
How can I describe how much I love this Indian restaurant? I am an Indian food crazy-person, and I give this place three thumbs up. The food is so amazing, the service is impeccable, and they very kindly throw in a freebie here and there. Everything I've tried I've loved. The prices are mid-range, $12-15 per plate if my memory serves. The lighting and decor has a rather modern feel with soothing deep blue walls. Seriously, just go, you'll be glad you did.
(5)Sam H.
Excellent food and great service. Family owned and run. The best indian food I have had in a long time.
(5)Celeste P.
I'm a bit snobbish about Indian cuisine and I have tried them all so I can say that this is the best Indian food in Maryland. Excellent customer service. We are always treated like family. The manager goes out of his way to speak to everyone and see how their meal is. We asked them for a dish that was not on the menu and they prepared it in a jiffy and it was delightful. It's not just a meal -- but a culinary adventure and an orgasm for your mouth!
(5)tony c.
WOW! i live in chicago where there is a plethora of incredible indian food in little india... but this is, hands down, the best indian food i've ever had in my life!! the cuts of meat they use are supreme. the chicken tikka masala is all juicy white meat drowned in pure bliss. get there early for the best selection and the softest naan. try the chai!! the perfect compliment to an incredible meal.
(5)Karen P.
Shared the chicken tikka masala and vegetable korma and both were superb!
(5)Danny C.
Out of the many Indian restaurants in Howard County, this is surely 1 of the best. Walking inside, looking at the surroundings, nicely done. Quite fancy for a lunch buffet. As we walked in, an older gentleman walks up and greets us, asks us what drinks we would like, 2 mango lassi's and 3 waters. We get our plates from the buffet line. I ate at many different Indian restaurants for years and yet I still dont know the names of most of their dishes. I can assure you, most of their foods are delicious. At the least, most. We all know, buffets usually have lesser qualities and more quantities of foods. Vice verse with restaurants. But at this place, the buffet quality is just as good as its counterpart. (Ohhhh yeah!) Oh, forgot to say that every time we were almost done with our drinks, they would refill it. Drinks were never empty. And the place was packed. They treat you like a VIP. When we were done eating, that same gentleman (Im guessing the owner?) came to us and asked us how we felt... "Full and very happy". He even walked us out... Been here numerous times and they were consistent... Amazing.
(5)Mira V.
The best Indian restaurant in Baltimore area in my opinion. The dining area is nice and very clean. The dining plates look a little formal with gold gilding around the plates which you dont find common in buffets. The service is excellent. Food is delish: love the tandoori chicken, naan bread, indian pancake with veggies, butter chicken, chutney sauce, spinach dish. What really won me over are their perfect combination of hot chai tea and gulab jamun (which is part of their buffet). I come here about once a week for lunch. The only drawback is that the place can get crowded on the week-ends, so try and get there early.
(4)Michael D.
Never been hare for the dinner service however the lunch buffet is fantastic. This is my go to spot when I'm looking for Indian food.
(5)Nicholas K.
This was the second time I have dined at the Royal Taj and it is the best restaurant across the board that I've been to. The servers were great with prompt service and then quietly refilling our beverages. When the owner found out why we were there a glass of wine was served on the house. We didn't order appetizers but didn't need to with the chutney and papadums which were excellent. We ordered five dishes off the menu, Chicken Curry, Chicken Korma, Chicken Buryiana, Chicken with vegetables in butter, and a Dal dish. They were all amazing and I didn't have anything that I wouldn't order again. We asked for the custard dessert with honey and it was just as good as the first time. Go to pay for the meal and the dessert was also on the house. Although I won't be back in the area anytime soon if I ever am I will make it a point to stop here and the manager will probably remember me. That in itself would be a good enough reason, throw in the food and atmosphere and you can't ask for a better dinner.
(5)David s.
Great at dinner, came here around 9 on a Saturday and it was not crowded (like at lunch). Great menu and different varieties of naan bread. The dishes are entree size, but are served in their own dishes (in addition to your dinner plate) so you can easily share and dine family style. The Kasmiri naan is an awesome sweet bread.
(5)Fran J.
The best Indian in the area. Tandoori chicken was outstanding! Service impeccable! We go here for special occasions. Reservations advised as this place gets packed.
(5)Sonnya B.
I come from an Indian food haven in northern VA, so I've def had better. Let's start with the good: - the Masala Chai - loooooooove ;) - the food tastes pretty good - I like the ambience & the decor - Clean bathrooms, nice touch with the table cloths and fine china-ish dinnerware. - food is not overly greasy - no one got sick - seriously this is key if you're a frequent buffet goer. - lovely attention from the owner/ manager The not so good: - not many vegan/ vegetarian options (its great for all the folks who dig chicken though) - where's the spice dude? If we're not sweating/ crying @ the end of the meal, it can't really be considered an Indian buffet. Also you need to find scary looking spices & peppers & be totally proud of yourself that you caught them & didn't ingest them & scream :) - that parking lot is killer. You're battling the lunch crowd at noon cause there are like 4 other restaurants in the same plaza - the waiting area is non-existent. I got real cozy with a couple of dudes - HI FRIENDS ;) - the tables are situated a little too close to one another. (Maybe this isn't the case for the dinner service?) - the service wasn't great. We tried to no avail to flag down a waiter to get our check, someone finally responded after three attempts. They're nice though. They refilled our waters promptly. So it's easy to always be picky & annoying, but I dig this joint, I'll probably be back when I'm a carnivore again. But also, I'm totally gonna be on the hunt for a super authentic Indian place around here.
(4)Marc S.
I and my family have enjoyed Royal Taj since the first month they opened. When friends and family visit from out of town they always ask to go there. There are other good Indian restaurants in the area, but Royal Taj has the best food, service, and atmosphere!
(5)Mina E.
GREAT RESTAURANT!! The food was delicious and the service was truly fantastic. I don't think I've ever had such great service at such a reasonably priced restaurant. Service - My dad and I went for a belated father's day dinner. It was our first time there and despite it being a Wednesday night, the restaurant was packed! It was full of Indians and non-Indians, (which I think is a great sign_. We got the only table open at the time and were provided fantastic service. Also, upon arriving to the table, there were already 3 dips and some crispy bread set out) Despite being a full restaurant, we didn't have to wait too long for our food or drinks - they were very attentive, but also gave us more than enough time to enjoy our meal (they weren't pushing to flip the table at all). The manager even sent over 2 glass of complementary wine and 2 small (but very tasty) desserts for our "special occasion." Food - We started off with the assorted skewers appetizer, which was delicious! Per the waiters recommendation, we got the Lamb RoganJosh ( I wasn't familiar with this dish but it was SOOO goooddd). We also got the Tandori Chicken. The chicken was very good, but paled in comparison to the rest of the food. We also got the Naan, which was very fresh and tasty. We had more than enough food for the two of us so we will be enjoying the leftovers today. Atmosphere - very clean, nicely decorated.
(5)Moon K.
Have been wanting good Indian food since I've moved from NY. Saw the reviews, so we thought we'd give it a try. I must say I was skeptical, but we will definitely find an excuse to drive from annapolis regularly as it was excellent! Not sure the last time I gave anything 5 stars...something is always lacking. Not in this case. To start the servers were focused, friendly & genuine. Which obviously is a trickle down effect from the owner, who was great. Truly felt as if you were at someone's house for dinner. As for the food, by no means am I qualified to say how authentic it is, but I do know what tastes good and was wonderfully fresh. Given the diversity of the clientele, it certainly had a cross cultural appeal. Lastly, atmosphere was lovely! Can't wait to bring our kids!
(5)Howard A.
We had the biryani and tried the chicken tikka masala. The food was excellent - the best I've ever had. And the service was great. The host and waiter were very friendly. They gave us complimentary gulab jamon since it was our first time there. The gulab jamon was also the best I've ever had. The only downside was that the service was a little slow, which was ok since we weren't in a hurry.
(5)V A.
This is my favorite restaurant hands down. Amazing food, excellent service, they make you feel like your business is very appreciated. I'm a regular here, come about once a week. The food is INCREDIBLE. I can't say enough good things. My favorites are the chicken tikka masala, chicken jalfrezi, and the malai kofta. Chicken saag is also good. For those new to Indian cuisine, I recommend to come for the brunch buffet. There are a lot of options and it's all once cheap price, you can try all the options and see what you like.
(5)Michael L.
As an Atlanta resident, the lunch buffet is phenomenal. The flavors are super fresh and bold. They have stuff I never heard of. Decor is nice and the servers are nicely dressed. Wish this place is in Atlanta.
(5)Josh W.
Went here for the lunch buffet on a Sunday and enjoyed it immensely. I've been several times before during non-buffet hours and have never been disappointed. This isn't a place that one would get fusion cuisine or anything (a la Jewel of India in Silver Spring with a delicious Indochinese sub-menu) - but I have yet to find a place that's better as an Indian lunch buffet. Really outstanding.
(5)Jay S.
The best Indian Food in Howard County. The service is great too. The wait staff is very friendly. The owner/manager makes it a point to greet every customer. Whenever I go he slaps me five as if we were old high school friends. (Once I was going to a shop next to Royal Taj and the owner came out of Royal Taj just to give me five as he always does). I recommend this place to anyone who loves Indian food and great customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Tiffany J.
Still thinking about how good the food was hours later. Went for their lunch buffet and there were so many options. The staff was very friendly. I found my new favorite restaurant, will be back soon.
(5)Dianne Z.
I can't believe I have never reviewed this place. I guess I've been totally enjoying their lunch buffets for the past 4 years too much. They certainly don't need another 5 star review, but I'm gonna pile it on. Now, my coworkers and have have tried several Indian buffets over the years, but since we came to Royal Taj, there has never been any question about where we go when we get the craving. The manager is very warm and welcoming to all whether you are a regular or a first time diner. The rest of the staff is on point without being overbearing or obtrusive. The lunch buffet is the BOMB! Trust me on this. Everything is good, so try a bit of each dish, then go back again for your favorites. Don't forget the chai tea at the end of your meal. Lunch on Fridays is especially busy. They open at 1130 and by noon, there is a wait for an open table. So go early, go late...just GO. I have also been there on Sunday evenings when the place was pretty much packed. However, they do take reservations for both the lunch and dinner hours, so if you know you are going with a group of 4 or more, be sure to call ahead.
(5)Brian E.
They have the best buffet and give great service. You always receive a warm welcome too.
(5)Robert M.
This was our first time there. The food was excellent, the staff warm and friendly, and the service excellent.
(5)Angela P.
Service! Service! Service! Everyone from host to servers were incredible. The food was delicious. The decor was surprisingly nice for being in a strip mall. And the atmosphere was fun. Nothing but 5 stars.
(5)Jonathan G.
This is my new favorite restaurant. I drove over an hour each way to get here and it was worth it! The food was excellent, the staff was top notch and super, super nice, and the atmosphere is very pleasant, as well. What a great experience - well worth the drive!
(5)Matt R.
If I had two more hands I'd give this place 4 thumbs up! Service is top notch and the food is really hard to beat. It is by far the best Indian restaurant in Howard County and at least a 40-mile radius. I've had nearly everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. Every now and then I'll hit the weekend buffet. I'm typically a little weary of any buffet since I'm a little OCD when it comes to cleanliness and foods cooked in bulk but they manage to keep fresh food flowing and the serving area very clean. Someone else on here left a less than mediocre review because there "was a line out the door". In my eyes thats a pretty solid indication of quality dining worth waiting for. If you don't want to wait in line for a table in a fine Indian restaurant I would suggest going to Akbar only one mile away. There's never a line there...and that's part of the reason they've permanently closed their doors for business.
(5)Jolie W.
The service is like none other! My water glass is never even 1/2 empty before water magically appears. The food is delicious--everything is good. Never a bad meal! The staff is friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is old world, white table clothes and chandeliers. The manager is a nice guy. Always friendly, and welcoming. He often asks if he can provide a glass of wine as a welcome to your dinner. The food is fresh and comes out without delay. There's no wonder that Royal Taj has 4+ stars--they make you feel like Royalty!
(4)Veena K.
Ok, Royal Taj wins the title of best Indian restaurant in the DC metro area. Three things that set this fine establishment apart: delectable thawa chicken, excellent service (including a mini-dosa station), and the inclusion of yummy masala chai in the buffet spread. As someone who visits Hyderabad often (and misses the food dearly upon returning to dc), I can honestly say that Royal Taj's food is extremely close to the real deal. And did I mention that everything is unusually fresh? You can always tell with the paneer and chicken dishes, and all were delicious. So next time you're craving Indian food, come here! I guarantee you will leave the weekend buffet in a wonderful stupor. Food coma never felt so worth it.
(5)Daniel K.
Royal Taj is amazing! The moment that you walk in you will realize what all of the hype is about.
(5)Polly G.
Delicious food, great service. The manager here is amazing and always makes us feel like valuable customers. We go here often and LOVE the food.
(5)Jared J.
The food is good, and with over 300 mostly positive reviews, I won't belabor any of those points. I will note some of the drawbacks of Royal Taj. First and foremost, be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes for seating during the lunch buffet. Either go early (it starts at 11:30) or go really late. There was a large queue of people waiting to be seated even at 1:30 p.m. today. Having to wait for a lunch buffet is unusual, but it is a testament to the deliciousness of the food. The only criticisms I have of the food itself are minor. The kheer was a bit too liquified (although the taste was spot on). Some of the batches of naan were badly burnt (but some were perfect). Additionally, I would have liked the chicken curry to have been a bit spicier. Administratively, Royal Taj needs to invest in more bowls/saucers/cups for tea. There were not any bowls at the beginning of the buffet line, so I had to slop the raita sauce straight onto my plate. Further, by about 1:00, the buffet line had run out of cups for tea. I know it is difficult to maintain a crowded buffet line for three hours straight, but this is the difference between four stars and five stars.
(4)Patrick B.
This is by far the best place in Columbia possibly in MD to get Indian food. The weekday menu is a phenomenal and the weekend buffet is amazing. If you have any questions about what certain dishes are, the staff will be more then willing to describe it to you and explain it. I usually go on the weekend just like many others here. The buffet is a good way to introduce someone to Indian food as you can visually see what is in the dish. It's also a way to completely engage in gluttonous activity. Unlike some other Indian food restaurants, the naan here is cooked in the traditional way of inside a copper pot. You can also request garlic naan. I take friends and family here whenever they come visit. They are always like "what's good to eat in Columbia?" Well Royal Taj is. I was always greeted by the owner who eventually knew me, my friends, and my cousin by name and embraced with a strong handshake and hug. Everyone here is dressed very well as to provide a more "upscale" fast dining experience. The tables use actual table cloths that are never stained, yellow, and always changed after each customer. I am not sure if they normally do reservations, but I called and made reservations for 15 people for a Saturday luncheon and they were more then willing to accommodate me. EVERYONE I take here is thoroughly impressed and leaves happy and satisfied.
(5)Megan G.
I came here for the first time on a Thursday night. The restaurant was completely packed so I was preparing for a long wait. The front man/manager (not sure exactly what his job was but he was everywhere) walked up to myself and my boyfriend and asked how many people were in our party (2) and then said it would be just two minutes. Based on his demeanor I thought that my bf was a regular there. Turns out this guy is just really, really good at his job. He came back after about 2 1/2 minutes, apologized for the wait, and brought us to our table. Immediately our waiter was at the table with menus and water. Before I could properly peruse the menu he was back asking for drink and food orders. It didn't feel rushed, just very efficient. We ordered drinks and asked for another minute to look over the menu. Within seconds of closing our menus he was back to get our order. Our food came out faster than I thought was possible. We ordered the fried veggies for an appetizer. They were well seasoned and delicious. I would also recommend the mango yogurt drink I ordered and the chi tea. Both were awesome! Also each time we drank from our glasses someone came around to refill them. Again very efficient. Our food came out jut as we were finishing our appetizer. I ordered the Tandori Shrimp and my bf Malai Kofta (a veggie cottage cheese ball in a tomato sauce). Both were excellent and served with a side of basmatti rice. Our waiter came over once to see how our food was. He actually seemed to genuinely care that we were enjoying ourselves. And the front man was all over the place making sure everyone was happy and coordinating the waiters. After dinner we were given some kind of dessert. I have no idea what it was, but it was delicious. Definitely try this place. I don't know how crowded it would be on a weekend but I might try and avoid Friday and Saturday nights just in case it is hard to get a seat. Although, based on what I saw, you wouldn't have to wait more than 5 minutes!
(4)Amanda K.
1st time review: Heard about this place from my boss. Me and my mom went for the lunch buffet today. They had a great variety of Indian food and the price was awesome. The chicken tiki masala (my fav Indian dish) was absolutely delicious. The rice was perfect. I wasn't crazy about the other chicken dishes. The vegetable curry was wonderful. The fried potato/corn things were good, especially with the delicious cilantro sauce. The naan wasn't very good, only thing I didn't like. It was kind of dry and not much dough. The Indian tea was ok, not my kinda drink bc of the spice but decent. I didn't get to try to stuffed Indian pancake because I was so full! The service was excellent! Everyone was so nice. The guy even have us a free drink. The place stays packed. No wonder. I can't wait to go back already! Next time I will just get the chicken tiki masala. It really was delicious!! After this initial review, this became my favorite restaurant and I was a regular!! Can't say enough about how the staff goes out of their way. You just can't beat this service!!! The food ALWAYS wows me, every single time. I've taken so many people here and they all love it. Now I moved away to Hawaii and I miss it. It's the first place I'm going when I get home!!! :)
(5)Sunny A.
Awesome service; a lil bit less spacious and noisy but if you just care about food, then this is the good place to eat; good masala chai and veggie platter.. All in all a very good place
(4)Jenny H.
I gotta give props to the manager!!! We came on a busy Sunday night and even while we were waiting, he would come over to check up on us and let us know progress on the tables. When we sat down, he made sure we had everything and was generally very attentive. We ordered various dishes to share. Everything tasted really fresh, like they had ground the spices in the kitchen, most of the dishes had a nice, spicy heat to them! The chicken tikka masala was really spicy, and their chicken curry dish was pretty spicy too. Their rogan josh (lamb dish) was good and their vegetable korma wish was key because it was the only non-spicy, creamy dish we got. Overall, great service and great food! Would come back again! Next time, I would probably try some tandoor dish since that sizzling smell is amazing!
(4)Mark F.
Royal Taj has set the bar for me when it comes to Indian food, I'm glad it was my first experience years ago. If it's your first time there, go for the lunch buffet. I don't usually care for tikka masla (or butter chicken, depending on where you go), but the stuff here is amazing. Their tandoori chicken is always juicy. And the mango lassi's are just out of this world (not a part of the buffet, a separate charge). I would go there just for their tea and kheer, honestly; and I have. The menu can get pricey, fast, if you're going for dinner, but the place really is a bar above the other places you would go. Once you go in, you'll see how neatly, and meticulously kept the place is. The service is wonderful, the owner is awesome. He's always smiling and does a great job of making you feel welcome. If you're showing up during peak hours, call ahead for a reservation, cause there will be a wait. You can't call ahead for a weekend lunch buffet, so arrive early or expect to wait. My roommates and I have ordered to go from here several times while living in Columbia. Some favorites: Chicken Korma, Saag Paneer, Shrimp Vindaloo, Lamb Methi (Amazing. The only thing I get), and Tikka Masala. The chicken, from my experience, is always large juicy chunks of white meat, and the lamb is always boneless (something I rarely encounter at Indian restaurants). I've been reading some people say the portions are small, and I'm curious as to what they got, as I've always been stuffed upon leaving, and have taken leftovers home on several occasions. We usually order lots of extra naan, however, and usually split a few samosa's between the table. You can always ask for more rice! I can get out of here with spending only about $20 (including tip), but with shared apps with friends and a lassi, I'll easily spend $30-40, which is well worth it, in my opinion, for the quality of food and the overall atmosphere, and helpful staff. 300 plus people can't be wrong.
(5)Anuj B.
This is one of my favorite Indian place since I moved to southern Baltimore region. Lunch Buffet - if you don't try, you have committed a sin. Be careful on weekends, you might not wanna wait for ever to get a place to sit. But if that's the case, it will be worth. Staff is extremely friendly and courteous. The only downside I feel is, little towards expensive side. But who cares if thats coming at the cost of good food.
(5)Sivan B.
Seriously the best Indian food. Service is amazing. You always feel like you're family. The food is just sooo good. Chicken tikka masala and the lamb vindaloo on point.
(5)Paul K.
I've been real slow to give reviews on yelp, but after eating at this gem of a place, credit needed to be given. I like Indian food but I'm not crazy about it. However, I heard the Baltimore/DC area was known for some good Indian so I checked this place out with the help of Yelp. I wasn't expecting this place to be worthy of 4 1/2 stars but upon trying Royal Taj out for the lunch buffet, and I was blown away by the quality of the food. Quality usually takes a back seat when it comes to buffets, but every damn thing I put on my plate was tasty and well-balanced. There was a nice selection of curries, rice, fried goodies and tandoori. The price was fair at $12.99. The service was also impeccable. As soon as the staff saw me walking in, they opened the 2nd door for me. Halfway through my meal, the manager came up to me and asked how everything was and brought a cup of Indian milky hot tea. Talk about 5 star service. The only depressing part of this experience is that I probably won't find any Indian as good as Royal Taj back home in ATL....sigh.
(5)Scott H.
This is not only the best Indian restaurant in the area, but it's the best restaurant period to take visitors and friends. The service is excellent. The owner's always there, and he's incredibly friendly. He's also very generous with complimentary glasses of wine, deserts, shots of tequila, etc. You'll definitely meet him because he welcomes almost everyone in person with a handshake and greeting. The servers are great at refilling drinks, serving out rice for you, etc., and are also friendly. The food is also excellent. It's north Indian cuisine, and I encounter lots of lesser known Punjabi dishes at their lunch buffet. That's awesome because it lets you try some more authentic food with no risk. Their lunch is a great buffet that includes a rotating selection of dishes (but always has chicken tikka masala), all you can drink chai, a made-to-order dosa area, and all the rice, chutneys, and sides you could want. It's around $13 if I remember correctly, and well worth it. Dinner is not a buffet, and the selection of dishes is pretty solid. I usually order one of the lamb dishes because their lamb is tender and incredibly flavorful. They always include bottomless free papadum with chutneys (think Indian equivalent of chips and salsa at a Tex-Mex restaurant), so you'll have something to snack on the second you sit down. I recommend the lamb vindaloo or chicken tikka masala to first-time visitors. The price is a little high ($15 - 19 for a curry order), but the portions are large. I think they're larger for carryout, as I've gotten 4 meals out of one order on carryout before but regularly finish mine when I dine in. The decor is fantastic. It has a nice romantic vibe, and I would definitely take someone here for a first date. Watch out though, it's so popular that the line is regularly out the door. Make a reservation! All in all, it's the highest rated restaurant in Columbia as of Jan 2015, and there's a reason. No one I've ever brought here had anything other than effusive praise.
(5)M B.
The hospitality is gracious! The staff is absolutely wonderful and friendly. The food is delicious, and the restaurant elegant. I wasn't a fan of Indian food at all, but decided to try it for lunch, and the food was very tasty. I ended up coming back again for a family outing for dinner, and we ordered several different entrees and ate it "family style." My brothers who love Indian food eat here at least 2 to 3 times per month.
(5)Ryan H.
We're relatively new to Maryland, but this is the best Indian restaurant that we've ever been to, across probably a dozen states at this point. The food is amazing, whether it's the lunch buffet or dinner, and I've yet to have anything on the menu that has been anything but excellent. The service is what really sets Royal Taj apart, though. Every visit begins with the owner greeting you at the door with a handshake or a hug, and by the second visit he somehow knew who we were, even asking about my mother who came in with us before. The servers take their lead from him perfectly, and our server knew us by our second visit... I had to start asking for his recommendations after he knew what I was going to order each visit. Leaving requires running a gauntlet of friendly employees, shaking hands with our sever, several other employees, and the owner, who I've seen chase people to their cars to thank them for their visit if he had missed them on their way out. The owner also makes sure to stop by and speak to everyone at their table at least once during the meal. It's also impossible to leave without getting desert, as he seems to bring us a free desert before we can leave each time. The longer we've had to wait, the more he's gone out of his way to bring us free items, but surprisingly even if there was no wait he's still always there with something. The only possible negative would be that you'll have a wait regardless of when you come, but the food and experience is more than worth a brief wait. Parties of two also move through much faster.
(5)Sarah E.
I've already written a review for this place, but I will again to let you know how incredible it is. There is only so much I could say to do this place justice. Incredible, fresh food and great service--always. I have never been less than completely satisfied with the food, atmosphere and service. Come try it. You'll feel the same way. Best Indian restaurant in Howard County by far.
(5)Shivani J.
The last time I came for the buffet it was extremely lackluster. Service was great as usual though.
(2)Erin O.
Great lunch buffet but can get very, very crowded.
(4)Dani T.
Love this place!! I travel for a living and have eaten at over 50 Indian restaurants across the country. This place is hands down the best Indian restaurant I have ever been to, and I'm obviously not the only one who thinks this as it was always busy. The decor is modern and relaxing and the food is amazing. I was in town for business for two weeks and ate here probably about 8 times. The owner and the staff are super friendly. They remembered who I was and always went out of their way to make my experience perfect. I tried every vegan friendly dish on the menu and all of them were superb.
(5)Brian D.
Yesterday was my first time to Royal Taj. I can say it's the finest Indian food in the area. Not only that, the atmosphere is pleasant abd the staff is very prompt and friendly. They even gave us dessert and chai on the house. This restaurant surely won't disappoint!
(5)Irving R.
The food is soooo good here. Went to eat with the team and shared some food. We ordered the Chicken Biryani, Chicken Curry, and Lamb Roganjosh for the main course. We also had Alu Tikki and some of the breads including Poori, Chili Naan and Garlic Naan. I personally love my food spicy so the Chili Naan was great. EVERYTHING tasted great. We are already looking at the menu for our next visit to try new dishes. The is one of the best, if not the best, Indian food I have had in the country (I'm a consultant so I travel a bunch). Will be back...next week!!!
(5)Steve R.
Just finished my first lunch buffet at the royal taj and let me tell you that this place lived up to the hype from the reviews. My party was greeted when we walked in the door as if we were guests at somebody's home. All the employees lined up welcoming us into their business. We got seated immediately and headed straight to the "famous" lunch buffet. I loaded up my first plate with various types of chicken dishes and naan. The quality of all the dishes and ingredients were top notch. The salad was fresh and the hot tea was perfect. I don't think my water cup was ever empty. Service was phenomenal. The manager approached each and every table ensuring that everything was ok. Im pretty sure every male guest received a formal handshake/hug as well from him. One guest had mentioned that he did not see a particular fish dish that used to be part of the buffet and the manager replied with "let me go to the kitchen and make that personally for you". 10 mins. later, out came the dish. Wow! For $11.95/person, an all u can eat Indian cuisine buffet with great service. You cannot go wrong.I will be back again.
(5)Brian B.
Truly the best Indian food around. Yes the food quality is excellent but the super bonus is the amazing service. Price is very reasonable too.
(5)Les B.
This.place.is .amazing! You need to try it at least once and then you'll see why it is so great. I moved to Columbia in August 2014 and I was looking for a good Indian place. I've ordered from 2 other places that were good, but I kept seeing this one when driving around. I started ordering carry out and the food was delicious and they give you a lot of food. They pack everything nice and neat for carry out. One day, I went in, but still ordered to go and the guys here treat you as if they know you. They open the door for you, they constantly ask you if you're ok. Well, they're very attentive. While I was sitting waiting for my food to take home, the guy gave me chai tea (on the house) I have never tasted Indian tea before and to be honest if I could I'd switch my morning coffee for that Chai Tea. That's how good it was. I started eating in instead of carry out because they're service is always phenomenal. I've tried different plates and occasionally, they give you free things to try. Last time I invited a friend and we got some type of dessert ont he house. I've tried the chana masala, the lamb rice, samosas, chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, naan bread..etc. Maybe I'll go for the buffet today and try different things.
(5)Greg S.
This place is amazing. Been here over a year and still the best restaurant I've found in Columbia. Also helps that the owner is super friendly and probably the most hospitable host I've ever had. Would recommend this place to anybody and my family and friends are not allowed to visit me without going at least once!
(5)Frank L.
I have been to Columbia twice, and both times came here for lunch. This place is awesome! You would not even know it was a buffet if you didn't get out of your seat to get the food. Thank God it is! It is hard only having one plate of food here. All the dishes are delicious and fresh, and there is someone making fresh Naan throughout the lunch. the service is also excellent. My water must have been refilled 5 times during my meal. Get here early or make a reservation as you will have a wait anytime after 11:30.
(5)Natasha B.
I went here a couple weeks ago for lunch and was very impressed. We had the buffet, which had a lot of great options. I especially liked the veggie fritters. I also enjoyed the chai at the urging of my coworker. I am definitely not a tea person, but this chai had great spice to it. The owner/chef's son welcomed us and made sure we were happy. My coworker said they have not expanded since quality is very important to them... which was very evident by the food and service. I highly recommend this place to vegetarians and meat eaters alike!
(5)Nina B.
Very friendly service. The food quality is good. The flavors could be a little more authentic but overall will definitely return.
(4)Steven S.
I've been to this location a few times for both the lunch buffet and dinner. The food is certainly fantastic but what it ultimately comes down to for me is the atmosphere and service provided. I love when an establish chooses an aesthetic and manages to stick to it and make it work well without being corny. Of course the more important part is the service and I can honestly say I've never received more personal service than at Royal Taj. While the habits can certainly seem gruff to some the staff is always polite and helpful beyond measure. Definitely worth a try for anyone in the area, and to me, worth traveling to as well.
(5)Katherine S.
I just went here a couple weeks ago. Still fabulous!!!!
(5)Riza D.
Went here while visiting Maryland and even though the place was busy, the manager was very welcoming and attentive. Their service was great and their food was amazing!! Will visit again whenever I'm in town.
(5)Jimmy P.
This place is incredible!! Ok...so my wife and I decided to be adventurous and try something new. I am used to finding something I like and sticking with it, so trying Indian food was outside of my comfort zone! We invited another couple to join us who also said they did not like Indian food...what a risk! As we got to the restaurant we were encouraged because it was busy (always a good sign!). The service right from the start was fabulous as we were welcomed and seated. They brought bread with three different sauces and it was delicious. The sauce they said was mild set us on fire!! We told the waiter that we really weren't sure about the menu and to recommend his favorites. I went with the Chicken Tikka Marsala and it was absolutely fantastic! All four of us LOVED our entrees and raved about them! The owner was so friendly and visited our table several times to check on us...he knew we were "rookies" and took great care of us! This restaurant is instantly one of my TOP 3 Restaurants and #1 Indian restaurant! FOOD, SERVICE, and DINING EXPERIENCE...OFF THE CHARTS!!!
(5)nic b.
The buffet is ON POINT! The owner is exuberant and welcoming with a famously strong handshake and pat on the back! Sit in the restaurant and you can hear his greeting at the odd interval. Many a bruised hand has left the joint after an amazing meal. They keep it fresh and new. I'm in once or twice a week and never feel like it's the same old same old. They're always switching things up whilst keeping their recipes authentic and delicious. Anyway, I've been to probably 50 Indian restaurants in several different countries and this is one of the better experiences I've had. I'm a huge fan and will be back again and again!
(5)M P.
Despite some issues getting a table on a Sat night, we had a delicious meal from start to finish & excellent service & attention by the staff. The food is fabulous, though the Biryani is not really my style & I prefer a less liquidy Raita---but otherwise excellent other dishes with top quality meats & curry sauces. Don't be afraid to bring your littles, they are child friendly despite the white tablecloths & napkins!
(5)Matthew C.
Our dining experience was 5 stars from start to finish. We were looking for a new restaurant to try and were thoroughly delighted with the excellent service, attractive restaurant and delicious food. My husband and I are new to Indian food, but we loved every dish we had. We shared the assorted appetizer platter. Then I had vegetable korma, he had vegetable jalfrezi, and we shared an order of naan. The dishes were all very fresh and the basmati rice had an amazing aroma. For dessert we had the rice pudding and gulab jamun. If you are not an adventurous eater, I'd encourage you to try something new. We were so happy to find Royal Taj and will be back again soon.
(5)Avi S.
I love it when an Indian restaurant has got it's business straight. Living in Chicago and New York, I've been to hundreds of Indian restaurants in my life and usually either the food is really good and the service is subpar or vice versa. I didn't even dine in here...I picked up for take out and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked in. The place was packed as I seems to be all the time. The inside looked nice and clean and decor was decent. Now to the food. I ordered naan and chicken tikka masala. The food was above average and very tasty. It wasn't the best chicken tikka masala I've EVER had but was definitely really good. I can't wait to bring my family here and dine in and try some of the other dishes. Great to know there is a high quality Indian restaurant in Maryland
(5)Kandi K.
Here in town visiting with family for the holidays, came here for lunch. Omg this food is heavenly!!!!! I have been to many Indian cuisines and by far this is the best!!!!!! Next time in town will be back!!!!!!!
(5)Hannah H.
About a 1-1.5: Royal Taj is formerly known as 'India Delight.' Their menu items include soups and salads, tandoor items, vegetable entrees, chicken, lamb, seafood, breads, rice, and appetizers such as pakora. My husband and I came here for a weekday lunch buffet. We were less than impressed with the selection as the food seemed very bland and unflavorful. The pakora were not crispy, but were very soggy from the lid cover, so I was a bit disappointed as it could have been tasty. The lentils and the spinach were very watered down and lacked any flavors of spices; the tikka masala was more on the foamy side in terms of texture, and I was not a fan of the chicken meat within. The naan bread was crispy and thin, but I just wished they had a delicious curry or sauce to dip it in. The rice was undercooked as I had found some hard pieces throughout. I did appreciate that they had gulab jamun, my favorite dessert - the syrup was a little less thick than usual, but it was still a nice treat. Service was friendly, and the line for the buffet does get backed up quite a bit during the lunch rush - the restaurant is spacious, but they really pack it in with tables and such. We were lucky that we were off in a sectioned area by the window, so it was less claustrophobic. I am glad I was able to check this place out, but not sure if I'd go back! +underwhelming buffet T___T
(2)Cher H.
Amazing food! I went today for lunch (buffet); my first time eating here. We got there 15 minutes after they opened on a Friday and there was already a 15 minute wait. Plan your time accordingly. I wish the place was bigger.
(5)K. S.
This is how dining out should be. First time here, and everything was excellent. The owner greeted us like he had known us forever and offered us a drink on the house. The waiters were quick and friendly. The decor was really tasteful. The experience felt like fine dining, but for a very reasonable price. And the food: It was amazing. Best Indian food I've had, and I don't even like Indian food... or at least I thought I didn't before I went here. Only regret was not making a reservation because it was really busy! Overall, a memorable experience, and we'll return.
(5)Josh G.
I'm not remotely embarrassed to admit being here several times recently. It's always a good experience from the welcoming service to the tasty food. I've only dined here for dinner, but I'd venture to say it's probably just as great for their lunch offering. The service here is attentive and timely and the menu has a vast array offerings. I've tried a few dishes and each was wonderful. I enjoy spicy food but I'd caution that their food is perhaps at the spicier end of things, so you might want to err on the side of medium for example, if you're uncertain. It's always busy but is a genuinely nice atmosphere, you wouldn't necessarily even know you're in a strip mall. I'd make a reservation for ease but you can just as easily walk-in though there might be a wait. Overall, I can't say enough good things about Royal Taj and I'm sure I'll return soon.
(5)Cris M.
This was my first time coming to this place and after reading the reviews I thought I would give it a try. The previous reviews were right! The food was amazing and the service was impeccable! Definitely recommend this place! And the Naan!!! Just delicious and wish we have this back home!
(5)Amy P.
When we first walked in we felt uncomfortable because we thought we were underdressed by looking at the place (it looked fancy) but the host was very kind and welcoming and even apologized when we had to wait about 10-15 minutes to be seated. When we were finally seated we ordered meat samosa as an appetizer and was brought tea as a service (no charge). I didn't really care for the meat samosa and thought it tasted bland but my husband seemed to enjoy it. As for our main meal, we ordered chicken tikka masala and lamb do-piaza. Both dishes were pretty good but I expected the portion to be bigger considering I'm paying $17-$18 per dish. They also brought us kulab jamun for dessert on the house. It looks like a munchkin in honey syrup. But overall, this place would be my go to Indian place for now in the area.
(5)Mary L.
I was looking for a restaurant that serves awesome Indian food and I found it! This place is in a strip mall and looks a little innocuous nestled between a Chinese restaurant and froyo place. Each time that I've gone, there hasn't been a wait because I went early. However, shortly after I've arrived, there is always a pretty big wait and it is definitely worth it. I have tried/ ordered a couple of dishes and was impressed with almost all of them. I have a gluten allergy and one of the great things about Indian food is that there isn't much gluten in it! I had the Chicken Pakora and it was really good! It was kind of like a chicken nugget but Indian style made with a chickpea breading. My favorite man dish that I've had so far is the Chicken Makhani. I get it mild because I'm a wuss but the flavor is awesome! They shave fresh pieces of ginger over it which tastes really great. The Chicken Tikka Masala is also really great as well. The chicken comes in big pieces and the flavor is nice. I tried the Chicken Vindaloo and the least spicy they could make it was medium which was actually way too spicy for me. The Saag Paneer was good too but again, too spicy for me. The Tandoori Mixed Grill was HUGE! There were so many pieces of meat with great flavor again. You could probably split that between two people. I was told that the Naan was really good as well. I really liked the Kulfi for dessert, I mean condensed milk ice cream? Yum! They serve you complimentary Chai Tea throughout the whole meal and it is really good. The Mango Lassi was okay, more orangey tasting than mango it seemed. Now, the service. It was fantastic. One of my biggest pet peeves at a restaurant is that they never refill your glass of water and I'm always left thirsty and annoyed. But here? They are constantly refilling your glass so that it's not even half full. It's awesome. The servers are also really great as well. This place is really great, as can be seen by me going there multiple times even though I don't live close to Columbia. Overall: great food + gluten free meal + wonderful service + overflowing water refills= this is my new favorite Indian restaurant to go to.
(5)Carlos A.
Delicious food. It was my first time eating indian cuisine, and im really glad we went to the lunch buffet. We tried many things, and loved most of it. Its a shame, since i cant seem to remember the name of the good dishes, but i just know i liked most of what i had. The staff was amazing. Taking care of everything and everyone really fast, keeping the drinks refilled at all times. I felt like i was at a friends place. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Satinder G.
Food is delicious and the staff is very courteous we get food from there all the time our favorite place to be
(5)Mo A.
Royal Taj....Royal Taj...Royal Taj. That's all one of my best friends ever says when it comes to really good restaurants in the area. I can't even count how many times I've heard her mention it. So, being that I was going to be in the area to meet up with a friend I figured...HEY, WHY NOT? Royal Taj is located in Columbia, which is roughly 40-45 minutes from DC and 20-25 minutes from Baltimore. It's a tad bit hidden in a strip mall that contains a few other businesses. It's also across the street from Wegmans and across the parking lot from Cheeburger Cheeburger. The décor is what I could call upscale casual. It doesn't necessarily read as fine dining but it is classier than a typical restaurant. I have to say that the service is absolutely phenomenal. The servers work as a team and are very attentive towards filling glasses, removing plates, checking to see if all is well, etc. Additionally, they really try to extend themselves when possible. My dining companion is deaf and the manager went out of his way to make her feel comfortable; grabbed a pen and paper and proceeded to communicate with her so that he could get her a glass of wine on the house. Amazing gesture to say the least. As far as food goes, we ordered the Meat Samosas, Shrimp Pakoras and the Chicken Tikka. The Meat Samosas were filled with minced lamb and spices. Great burst of flavor with each bite. A slight kick but the seasoning was balanced. I will say that the pastry shell was a little too hard for my liking. Then again, that seems to be how many of the South Asian and Middle Eastern places in the DC/Baltimore area make them. Shrimp Pakoras are marinated shrimp dipped in seasoned yogurt batter & fried to a golden brown. Really really good stuff. The batter is fried to a point where you get some crisp but you're also able to bite through to the shrimp. Speaking of shrimp, they were big and plump. We got two orders of this, which seem to come in 4-5 pieces per dish but I wish we had gotten more. The Chicken Tikka features boneless chicken that is marinated and cooked in the tandoor, which is a clay oven. It is also served with rice and a masala sauce. The rice came in a generous portion size and was properly prepared. The masala sauce was phenomenal as it was creamy, balanced flavor-wise and well seasoned. The chicken pieces were decent but not great. They were a little on the small side and not as plump or juicy as I had hoped. Decent dish but definitely in the average range. Another fantastic gesture came through as we were given a complementary order of the Gulab Jamun on the house. They are deep fried cottage cheese balls that are dipped in honey and sugar syrup The description may sound odd but they're really really good. You don't pick up any cheese flavoring at all as the cheese ball serves as the texture and the syrup offers you the sweetness factor to cleanse your palate after consuming food that is spicy, garlicky, etc. Excellent ending to the meal. The prices are reasonable as the whole meal was like $57. May seem like a lot but considering the portions, it's a pretty good deal. I shall return!
(4)kathryn m.
The staff was impeccable and they were extremely energetic to provide the best dining experience. The food was spiced to perfection with sizable portions to follow. There was enough for a lunch next the next day. :)
(5)James L.
Friend of mine recommended this place and checked it it out with my fiance. I was very impressed from the start. I was lucky and came on a slower night, i was here previously on a weekend and had leave due to the long wait time. The food here is great! I had a spinach and lamb dish that was absolutely amazing. the atmosphere of the place impressed me also. I will be frequently going to eat at the royal taj from now on
(5)John R.
This is the best Indian restaurant in the state of Maryland. The food is tremendous as you would expect from Indian cuisine. What sets this place apart is the service. The owner will treat you like an old friend from your first visit. I have been offered something on the house every time I've visited. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
(5)H H.
There is not really anything I can say that has not already been said. Royal Taj is fantastic. Both the food and the service are excellent. Go here. Go here even if you don't think you like Indian food. They may change your mind.
(5)Jeff K.
By far the best Indian restaurant in Columbia in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. I eat here about once a month, much more when my job was closer, and have enjoyed every meal. For dinner my favorite dish is the lamb korma and my wife's favorite is the chaat papri. She also loves their mango lassi. They have a great lunch buffet which always includes chicken tikka masala, masala dosa, and gulab jamun--all delicious. These days there literally is a line outside the restaurant before they open for lunch. You really cannot go wrong having a lunch or dinner here, I highly recommend it.
(5)Traci H.
This is our favorite go-to Indian food spot. Wide variety and fresh food and super awesome service. Buffets always creep me out a bit but this one is pretty awesome. Their lunch buffet really is the best kept secret!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Mike O.
I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. Ill keep it short since all of the other reviews on here have basically spelled it out. However, what I really need to shine light on is the management and service. It has been a long time since I have experienced the level of care this restaurant has provided. From genuine warm greetings at the door, to never having to wait for a need at the table, to management coming out to check on your meal, to a personal hand shake at the end dinner, to a follow up phone call the next day making sure all was to satisfaction. Simply unreal. Spelled out on paper this may sound over bearing...but to experience it is something wonderful. Many other establishments could take a lesson out of this play book. Absolutely refreshing! The food, the atmosphere, and the service...literally all 5 stars. And I do NOT give out stars frivolously. Hat tip gentleman, I will be back!!!!
(5)Rajesh K.
This place is fantabolous as is the owner!! Legit fine Indian Dining!!
(5)Llamilet G.
The food was delicious. Although the wait was about 35 minutes, it was well worth it. The staff was polite and very nice. The manager offered us a glass of wine on the house as well as a taste of dessert. Even though it was a full restaurant (with a wait the entire time were there), the atmosphere was conducive to conversation. we will be back!
(5)Tamara M.
Royal Taj was a real treat. It had been a long time since we'd had Indian food this good. What a lucky find on a road trip. What stood out? Chicken tikka is a benchmark in comparing restaurants, and we always look back to our ideal chicken tikka, prepared by the lady of the house where we stayed in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Royal Taj was on target with moist, tender flavorful meat cooked to perfection and here served with a flourish of smoke rising from the iron skillet it's served on. It didn't need more adornment than the onions and a couple of peppers it came with. The sauce was very good, rich and warming. We also tried the garlic naan. No skimping on the garlic here, which is just how we like it. The raita was creamy, cool and refreshing. Masala chai...hit the spot. Where an establishment can really set themselves apart is in service. Royal Taj's decor is comfortable yet classy. We were so impressed with the way things were run. Servers were on top of things, making sure water was replenished and we didn't need anything. The manager visited our table and we had a nice chat. He welcomed us warmly and made sure that this first visit was extra special! I don't know when we'll pass through this area again, but when we do we'd be likely to return here, amd that doesn't happen often.
(5)Joy G.
I was searching for a good Indian restaurant with lunch buffet and came across Royal Taj. I went to the place with a cousin of mines and we were very surprised how busy it was and a line was formed, considering it was a weekday and it was around 1ish. Hence, it's very popular restaurant to eat at with positive reviews. Food was delicious and I also plan to come back with friends and family members to bring. Service is superb! The owner is very sweet and polite!! I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Hala S.
We came here for the first time last night for my mother's birthday. We didn't even tell the manager (or owner not sure who he was) that it was her birthday, however he seen the gift and came over to ask. He provided her with a complimentary glass of wine and they even sang happy birthday to her and complimentary cake. The customer service was the absolute best I have seen at a restaurant in a very long time. The food was out of this world amazing! It was very authentic, nice portions, the chicken was so tender it could probably melt in your mouth. We had five different dishes (couldn't tell you the names of them) but each one was wonderful. Thanks for the great experience Royal Taj! We will definitely be returning!
(5)V B.
Good food, but pricey if you're not there for buffet.
(4)Jyoti Y.
Amazing dinner!! Sheesh kabob is amazing. But the best part is the amazing customer service. Everyone is very prompt. Also the complimentary gulab jamuns was a treat!
(5)Larry R.
Food is outstanding! Had the mango curry chicken with a little bit of heat. Amazing! Customer service is the best you will find anywhere. I will go back for sure. Great job!!!
(5)Daniel Y.
This is the best indian buffet in the area. The price is reasonable and the food is delicious. There is always a line before the buffet opens. The service is impecable. I definitely recommend this for those that are near by.
(4)Latia C.
My husband and I love this place. The customer service is refreshing, especially during a time when customer service is almost non existent to some business establishments! The owner is awesome and goes out of his way to make sure that you are taken care of. When I am in the area this is my go to place. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed! I always get the lamb korma, and it's cooked to perfection!
(5)Clint D.
I have eaten here for the last 3 years and I have never reviewed the Royal Taj ; serious injustice on my part. Today I visited for the lunch buffet as I do at least a few times a year. More often and my spouse would grow disappointed that I didn't take her. The food is always fresh, hat, and incredibly delicious. The service is by far the best among any ordinary restaurant (I find Indian restaurants always have awesome service) and is perhaps the best among the Indian restaurants me and my wife chose to frequent. Additionally, the owner is often there, I can not recall a visit when he was not. He makes each guest feel special and appreciated. I can not recommend this venue enough. Enjoy!
(5)Matt S.
The ayes have it. Great cuisine. Get treated like royalty. A well deserved reputation.
(5)Sona R.
Super impressed by this place. The service is a notch above other Indian restaurants I've been to (and being Indian myself, yes I've been to many). The owner/manager guy seriously looks out for you and makes you feel like family. We had a wobbly table once and after the waiter unsuccessfully tried to wedge some napkins to fix the wobble, the waitstaff coordinated to change out our entire table, carrying it across the dining room so we could have a good meal experience. That's pretty good service. The waiters always have great suggestions - even for "seasoned" Indian restaurant menu navigators like myself. I once wanted a fish curry dish and the waiter literally told me they could custom-make a dish with the particulars I wanted, and of course, the spice level I wanted (which is super spicy, and they definitely delivered). Appetizers are out of this world - try to Paneer Tikka and the Papdi Chaat. The food is so beautifully spiced and served piping hot with some of the best naan bread selection and quality I've seen. All in all, this is an excellent place for some amazing Indian food and a great ambience. Warning: make a reservation as this place gets CROWDED!
(5)Sheel S.
Binda and his staff are always so pleasant. He does a great job and the food is always amazing!!
(5)Beverly B.
Never haven eaten Indian food before, it was suggested that I try the buffet lunch. The buffet only goes to 2:30 and I got to Royal Taj at 2:40. A wonderful man who was either the manager or owner told me he would give me two take out containers for free since the buffet was about to close. I walked through the buffet line and tried a little bit of everything. I don't know for sure the names of the dishes I was eating, but OMG I'll be back. Thank you Royal Taj for the free lunch.
(5)Kevin L.
Absolutely one of my favorite Indian restaurants of all time, and definitely one of my favorite places to dine in Maryland. The flavors are bright, clean, and fresh. The colors lively and bright. Most Indian restaurants use a common base for their sauces, which is absolutely not the case here. Each dish has its own unique flavors and textures. The service here is also top notch. My drinks never see an empty glass. Their rice is expertly seasoned, a critical item many Indian restaurants overlook. If you're unsure of what to try, come when there is a buffet and explore the spectrum of flavors from their kitchen. I've come many times so far and this experience is consistent with every visit. I cannot speak highly enough. This place is the bee's knees / bomb diggity / a flavor explosion. If you know of a tastier, more consistent, more dynamic Indian restaurant, please tell me. I need to know.
(5)Maurice R.
Really tasty food and the manager/owner is a riot. Since moving to Columbia from NY I've been looking for a good Indian restaurant and I've found one. I've gone there twice for take out. Each time the food was fresh and delicious. Extremely pleased with the quality and taste of the food. And the ambiance of the restaurant is lovely. Definitely a place to go for dine in. But I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you of the manager/owner. Although he's a very nice guy - he seems to think that slapping a mans hand upon greeting, as hard as he can, is either funny or welcoming. It's neither. Other than that, I recommend this place. Gentlemen, be warned.
(5)Tracy L.
My boss loves this place so I have been many times for the lunch buffet, but tonight was my first time trying it as a sit down restaurant. I hate to be cliché, with all the positive reviews this place has gotten already, but this place really was that good. Not only is the food very tasty, I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't like (tonight or at the buffet), but their attention to detail is immaculate. When you sit down there is already a little tray of sauces and some papadum (maybe?) waiting for you to snack on. There is an array of servers waiting on you, checking on your water, taking your order, clearing your table as you finish with plates, even the owner came over to top off our wine glasses. And when he found that there wasn't enough left in the bottle to top off all our glasses, he went to the bar and got a bottle to finish the job. Our dinner was served to us from a little serving cart and they individually polished fresh plates for each of us. At the end we each received a little cup of chai tea and a single gulab jamun for each of us. I also have to say that even though we were very well taken care of, the wait staff was never intrusive. It wasn't like walking into an Express and having the sales clerk follow you around (please just go away, I'm trying to shop). Everyone was jovial, quickly did their task, and was out of our way before we knew they had been there. I feel like most restaurants are trying to nickel and dime you for this kind of service, but this place really makes you feel like home and is extremely reasonably priced. Best Indian food in the area and definitely the best restaurant overall.
(5)Frank L.
You know how sometimes you have an amazing meal and you spend the rest of your life looking for a restaurant that matches up? Well Royal Taj is one of those places. This place has the best Indian food I've had since I lived in England. No joke! My buddy and I discovered this place by accident. Just driving around Columbia and we happened upon Royal Taj. Since we both know our Indian food we sat down and started down the menu. As our first order of samosas came out and I bit into the first one, I remember thinking how great the ingredients tasted. Fresh and delicious. My logic was that if they made something as simple as a samosa with such care that the rest of the food would be good too. I was totally right. They also don't flinch at making seriously spicy food when you ask for it. When you ask for a vindaloo you'd better be prepared for it, because unlike a ton of other places I've been to, you're gonna get some spicy goodness. I've been here with the SO several times, and we get takeout every once in awhile. We've never been disappointed. I've also tried the lunch buffet. If you decide to drop in for that you should expect a line. Predictably, the lunch buffet food isn't quite as good as their normal dinner fare, but it's still very good. Final bonus: The staff there is great. I love this place. If you know good Indian food, you will too.
(5)Heather S.
Everything about my experiences at Royal Taj has been top notch. The restaurant is well organized. The front of the house is friendly, efficient, and has a way of making you feel like you are part of his restaurant family. The waitstaff is amazing. They are professional and attentive. They know what you want before you've even realized it. And, the food.... The food is spectacular. There is a reason there is a line out of the door every night of the week. Best Indian food I've had in the US!
(5)Paul R.
Came here by mistake and found something amazing the food was outstanding and the service was impeccable
(5)Stephanie M.
There's nothing like walking into a restaurant to be greeted as a friend by the host (and owner?) Between the food, the phenomenal service and the atmosphere, Royal Taj takes great care of its customers. This is a must-try restaurant!
(5)Becca W.
This is the first time I've ever been to Royal Taj. I'm not the biggest fan of Indian food, so I never thought to go before. There was a line when we got there, but the manager very kindly came to talk to us. He said it shouldn't be too long of a wait so we decided to stay. We were seated within 15 minutes and both opted for the lunch buffet. I don't know anything about Indian cuisine so I just loaded my plate with a bunch of stuff with names I didn't understand. Every last thing on my plate was gone by the end of my meal. Everything was delicious! Wish I could remember the names so I could point to specific dishes, but it was all great. We also got complimentary chai tea...yum! Definitely will be back.
(5)Brandon P.
First, amazing food!!! I've been here twice now and both time the food was great. The owner or manger (not sure) either way he runs a tight ship and is VERY personable. Not only will be great you like you're his best friend if her tells you it will 15 min for a table it's 15 min or less. Speaking of the wait, this place is very popular and small so a wait for lunch is guaranteed. Fortunately the staff is very good about getting played out of the way and are able to flip tables quickly. I have no problem driving from Glen Burnie to here (about 30 min), it's that good!
(5)Samir S.
GREAT FOOD!! And even greater service !! They know know how to treat customers with love and respect. Come here !!!!
(5)Kat V.
Outstanding food and service that never falls short of excellent in all the years we've been eating here! The owner greets everyone as an honored guest - amazing considering how busy they are. Every dish has been outstanding - you can't go wrong if you love Indian food. Just know that it is popular and especially at lunch, you may have a long wait. Very reasonably priced - especially for the high quality food and elegant ambiance.
(5)Brasilia A.
Amazing restaurant, excellent food. Great ambiance. Excellent customer service
(5)Tara U.
Probably my favorite Indian restaurant in Howard County besides Mango Grove! I'm Indian, so I deeply know all that makes truly great authentic Indian food. Basically, my mom's cooking. ;) Royal Taj definitely fits the bill; I love how when you request extra spicy for their curries, they deliver - mouth searing scorch in every bite, every time I order the chicken korma. My ex and I used to order two portions of the chicken korma at least once a month with garlic naan on the side. It was that addictive. I went with my husband and mother in law to the buffet, and it was excellent; used to go with coworkers as well during the weekday rush - it gets crowded. Love this place so much that my family took me here for my birthday dinner last year. Cannot recommend it enough... The owners are super sweet and friendly and know me by name now. I always get a hug from the main owner (can't remember his name, shame on me!). One of the first times I came here to get takeout, the owner threw in a free gulab jamun (my all time fave dessert as a little Indian child). :) 5 stars all the way.
(5)Alyssa S.
The service is stellar, the owner is there to personally greet you as you walk in. The lunch buffet is one of the best deals in Columbia ($12 a person), definitely come here early or late though as it will get very crowded. I have never had a bad dish from the tikki masala to the fresh salad to the naan to the rice to the chai tea. It is all so delicious, I even bring my mother here who previously has stated she doesn't like Indian food and she greatly enjoyed the experience.
(5)R M.
Good food Great atmosphere Super nice and friendly owner who takes care of you Good food quantity too
(5)Amber Z.
Really amazing food! Wonderful portion sizes and not very expensive. The waiters were very friendly and even offered up some wine that went very well with my meal! Perfect experience! :))
(5)Chris L.
Must. Stop. Eating. Pappadum. A skilled kitchen and a gracious, friendly waitstaff await you in this unassuming strip mall restaurant. But hey, everything's in a strip mall in Columbia, ya can't hold that against them :) Buffet at lunch, table service at dinner, full bar all the time. Royal Taj gave me the royal treatment on a quiet weekday evening. I was greeted, seated and gin-and-tonic'd almost before you could say curry :) The pappadum appeared early, accompanied by three sauces: cilantro/mint with yogurt, tamarind and chopped bell pepper in spicy sauce. All three sauces were amazingly tasty, none too spicy, frankly I wanted even more heat. The crisp is thin as a potato chip, almost as salty and every bit as irresistible. Chicken tikka masala was absolutely fabulous: chicken pieces perfectly cooked and not a bit tough, the thick tomato-based sauce deeply flavored with onion and fenugreek. I could eat this sauce forever, but altho I ordered it "American medium" spicy, it arrived mild, what's up with that? So order up a spice level. Served with an overwhelming side of long-grain rice. $16 for a very generous portion, easily could serve two. A couple of minor gripes: my Tanq and tonic was $9 and awfully short on the Tanq. Vegetable pakora at $6 were pieces of potato, cauliflower etc. dipped in chick-pea batter and fried, but lacked much flavor and needed an accompanying sauce like a raita. My waiter was happy to answer my questions about the food, he knew all the spices and ingredients. And he treated me to a sample of the Gulab jamun, basically a dense ball of fried dough drenched in a sweet sauce, a perfect ending. Fairly priced and well served, just my kind of place, I'd come back in a heartbeat.
(4)K C.
This was really great Indian food and had wonderful service! They served our very large party with ease and complete hospitality. The food was very flavorful and very high quality. Highly,,highly recommend!
(4)Joanna K.
I had to check this place out - it had over 500 reviews and most recent reviews all gave 5 stars. To test the water of course, I went to their weekday lunch buffet and I was impressed. They had their usual solid menu of buffet and everything was delicious. My favorite the Masala tea - it was sweetened just perfectly. The nan and "potato crepe" was made on spot as well. I really loved their desserts too!!! Most importantly, there were 6 wait staff excluding the host. The host was super friendly, opened the door as we came into the restaurant ( I don't think many restaurants - even the city ones - do that anymore), and our waiter had already poured Masala tea and on our table. Our water was never empty for more than 1/3 of glass. Although I don't think the waiters in general speak fluent English they were all very courteous and attentive. Most of all, it seemed like many customers were friendly faces who came to the restaurant often, they were making small talks with wait staff and even kids were waving hellos to the staff. Will return again.
(5)David J.
This wonderful, Northern Indian restaurant has restored my interest in this cuisine! My experiences in the mid-atlantic region, Richmond, VA, etc, have thus far been "Meh." During a short-lived residence for work in Charlotte, NC I did experience a great place called "Copper." Where I've tried in RVA, most places have been disappointing. This place in Columbia, MD is incredible. Phenomenal service. The Papadam with sauces that they bring to the table are better than the best nachos you've ever been given free in any Mexican joint ever! They had a decent wine selection, as well as some intriguing micr-brew as well as better known beers. We shared the Onion Bhajia app. Better than most onion rings I've had anywhere. We also shared a delicious vegetable samosa app. (Make sure to have them leave the sauces they bring when you get there, to enjoy with your apps). My wife really enjoyed the lamb chop entree, and I chose the waiter recommended Lamb Roganjosh, which I wish I could have the sauce these tender lamb morsels came in with EVERY damn mean! Everything here seems to be well executed and the staff are proud of what they offer. My new Indian favorite for sure!
(4)Tim H.
Amazing food, amazing service, extremely personable and friendly management. Word of warning - it can get very crowded during Saturday lunch service, but it's oh so worth it.
(5)Craftystitches J.
Ok so you guys are all right about this place ttly the best best Indian food and service! The owner does not miss a beat! All restaurant owners must come and experience what it means to own a restaurant. Food was amazing. We had the fish curry and lamb chili and samosa. I said I wanted to try the desert but did not have time to so they brought it out on the house. The owner is class a when it comes to getting the correct staff service and treating customers right It deserves 10 stars!
(5)Angelica T.
Excellent Indian dish, loved the their buffet style. It gets crowded here sometimes so be prepared to wait in line. Every dish is a must try :)
(5)Amanda B.
I've never had Indian cuisine before so I wasn't sure what to expect but this place had amazing reviews so I figured I would give it a try and I'm very glad I did. First, the staff was extremely attentive, friendly, and helpful. Our server suggested various items from the menu all of which we ordered and loved. I had the Tika Chicken ordered medium and it was some of the best chicken I have ever had. Not only was it flavorful and spicy, but it was cooked perfectly. We also tried the rice pudding dessert which was on point. The owner even gave us complementary cups of tea and "honey balls" which were delicious. Needless to say, I will be back soon. HIGHLY recommend this place.
(5)Lyndsay K.
The service is probably the best I've ever had at any restaurant ever. The food - amazing. Best Chicken Tikka Masala I've ever had. I only wish I had stopped by one more time on my way to the airport so I could take some home with me. The chai tea? Sooo good. The only negative was the out of place blue lights by the ceiling, but once the food arrives you won't have a chance to care about anything else. There's nothing else I can say about this place except that if you don't like it - well, it's you, not them.
(5)Lam Ann H.
I came here for my birthday on a Saturday evening without making reservations (woops!). The wait was over an hour but I knew it was worth it, so we waited. We were seated in less than 20 minutes! The staff here are so diligent and hardworking, while never making customers feel rushed. Our food was delicious (chicken tikka masala, chicken chile) and the service was top notch. It was my husband's first time here and he was impressed! We love how the owner, Binda is at the front of the restaurant, hosting and greeting, making rounds to each table. The business is successful because it is very evident customer service is important to them.. And the food is really good :).
(5)Leah N.
Chicken tiki Masada and lamb Roganjosh are delicious!!! The manager is the most welcoming person I know. I always come here for dine and carryout. I also love the nan. Great atmosphere. It is worth the wait.
(5)Kamni G.
I don't want to write anything. I feel as though I should not have to explain myself ...the food is awesome. I do not hand out 5 stars willy nilly y'all. BUT....I must add to what others have said: - The lunch lines for the buffet are out the door but it moves quick. They have one of the best buffets ever. Their tea has the right amount of spices and sugar. They offer dessert and have a full bar. There is a chef making dosas on the line. - Dinner is amazing. Everyone is friendly, the food is made from the heart and the owner reflects the personality of the place closely. If I lived closer, I would eat there alot!!!! - So if you are wondering whether this is worth it or not....I want YOU (yes you!) to know that THIS is one place you will not regret dining, getting catering from or just getting a drink and shooting the shizz with the owner. I may even love this place, but our relationship just began so I will keep that to myself. so yeah...JUST GO :)
(5)PB M.
There is nothing I can say that's not all ready been said about this establishment. Best in the area and the staff is sincerely genuine. Do yourself a favor and see for yourself.
(5)Steve R.
staff treated me like a king. i am a curry fanatic. normally indian restaurants won't serve my food spicy unless my friend from Madras is there to vouch for me. but here I got what I came for. my lamb vindaloo was exquisitely tender, savory, bold, with its own character and with an invigorating spice. will definitely be back next time i am in the area.
(5)Danielle W.
BEST restaurant ever!!! Great food and great customer service. Our party of four, all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the Chicken Tiki Marsala,and it was spicy and delicious. The manager is super awesome, he topped our wine glasses on the house. Prices are very reasonable and wait staff very friendly. The atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. Make sure you have dinner here because you will be glad you did
(5)Andrea K.
Amazing indian cuisine! It was packed from the time we got there at 6:30 until we left around 8:30. We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner, very glad we did. I ordered the chicken tikka masala which I always love. Their version was tasty and was a smaller portion than in used to be was pleasantly surprised by this. They also gave us some complementary wine during our meal. The wait staff was friendly and I can't wait to return.
(5)Laura F.
Holy crap , this place is amazing . The food is out of this world and the service could not be better . The owner shakes your hand when you walk in and you get free chai tea !!
(5)Annette T.
My husband and I had dinner at Royal Taj on Tuesday evening. There was no wait, but the place was definitely filled considering it was a weekday. I imagine you'd need a reservation or be ready for a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening. I can tell why this place has such high marks on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. The service was exceptional - you will never have to look around for your waiter and your drinks will never be empty. There was always somebody making sure we were pleased with our experience. Then the food - superb! We ordered the assorted vegetable sampler for appetizer, and the chicken vindaloo and vegetable korma for our meals, and had some delicious chai and gulub jamun for dessert. Everything was delicious and the portion sizes are generous. We will be back!
(5)Anne B.
The best Indian restaurant with superb service. The owner always greets customers with a hug or a big handshake, and he does his best to keep customers as happy as possible. Our family often come here for dinner, sometimes for lunch buffet. They have the best tandoori and Indian curry. I made a mistake, instead of ordering children tikka masala that I alway get, I accidentally ordered chicken chilli which was good also but I was kind of craving for chicken tikka masala... when I told that to my server he didn't even hesitate to get me one without charge and still let me have chicken chilli as well-I know what my son's lunch box will be for tomorrow. Lol After meal, we even got nice hot Chai tea(I don't normally get Chai tea from other place but I can drink theirs all day, it's soooo good) with sweet desert balls which my son usually take two. One thing I know for sure about this place is 'no regrets and joyful meal time'. Food is excellent and atmosphere is great! Most of all, their service always brings us back to the restaurant!!
(5)Jay R.
This place has become one of my absolute favorite places to eat. Not only is the food delicious, but they have a really cheap but elaborate buffet on Saturday & Sunday from 11am-3pm. The staff is so friendly and go above and beyond to make your experience there a good one. I even asked for a drink that no one knew how to make, but they found a recipe and made it. Turned out to be one of the best drinks I've ever had. And when I looked unsure of what I was eating, the waitress came over without hesitation to help me out. Lol. Definitely check it out if you have the chance. You won't regret it.
(5)Matt L.
The owner/manager Binda is quick to great me with a handshake or a hug. He is in full command of his restaurant and it shows, as they take service seriously without creating even a semblance of stuffiness. Awesome! The Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Samosas are my personal go-to, but I'm confident that you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Highly recommended.
(5)Jim W.
We love coming to Royal Taj for their absolutely delicious lunch buffet. It can get very crowded though, since it's a very popular spot. The owner is very friendly and the service is quick. The food is prepared very well, very fresh and the selection is wide. It's probably the best buffet in the area.
(5)Amanda M.
From the outside, Royal Taj looks like just another non-descript strip mall Indian buffet, however, I met a friend here for dinner at 8 on Monday night and was shocked at how packed the place was. We got one of the last two empty tables and my friend said he was surprised we didn't have to wait (he visits Royal Taj often). We started with the complimentary papadum with the traditional three sauces/dips (chutney, the spicy green, and the sweet/spicy red). Royal Taj's green sauce is spicier than most other places, which for me is a great thing - I could eat a bowl of the sauce on its own. The papadum was light, crisp, peppery, and nice way to start our meal. Even though we knew it would be too much food, we ordered the vegetable samosa, keema naan (naan stuffed with ground lamb and spices), chana masala (spicy), chicken tikka masala (also spicy) and an order of regular naan. We asked for the samosa and keema naan to be served first. They came out quickly and were piping hot. The samosa were pretty average although the dough was a bit sweet which, was nicely contrasted by the green sauce. The keema naan was the best I've had and my friend couldn't stop eating it, even though he knew we had more food coming. After we had finished the samosa and slowed down on the keema naan, our waiter came over to check if he should tell the kitchen we were ready for our main dishes. I love it when restaurants do this. It is so much more relaxing to be able to finish the starters before the main dish appears. There is something different about Royal Taj's chana masala that I just can't put my finger on. I know that every chana recipe is different, but Royal Taj's is unique. In addition to regular onions, there were also green onions mixed in which added a surprising little crunch. I ordered it spicy and Royal Taj delivered a savory, rich, spicy dish in which the heat built with each bite but never reached the point where the spice level overwhelmed the other flavors. For me, this dish alone is worth the drive to Columbia. The chicken tikka masala was amazing - creamy, tomato-y, slightly sweet and perfectly spicy. I couldn't stop dipping my naan in the sauce. And the chicken? So often the chicken in a tikka masala is dry. Royal Taj's chicken was tender, well-seasoned, and practically melted in my mouth. The naan was buttery without being greasy, had a little hint of garlic and was fluffy with just the right amount of crisp spots. One of the owners came over to check on us, noticed that we ordered our dishes spicy (they top it with a hot pepper) and made sure that it wasn't too spicy for us. He also asked me which wine I was drinking and came back and topped off my glass (essentially gave me an entire glass for free). I was truly surprised to find that the best Indian I've had in years was in Columbia, MD but I will definitely be going back soon.
(5)Shell P.
I love this place...it is currently my all time favorite restaurnt...the food is awesome and the service can not be beat! The maitre de especially gives us a warm welcome each time we come in and they know what we like and what my favorite drink! You will not be disappointed--EVERYTHING I have ordered has always been fabulous!
(5)Nancy A.
This place is incredible. The food, the service... just incredible. We will definitely be returning to try more and more dishes. The food quality was superb and they are not shy about giving freebies - wine, small dessert... just little touches that make the place special.
(5)Peter L.
Really good food and buffet is a great deal and experience. Often a line for when they open. Very friendly waitstaff
(4)Mem R.
The food was incredible, the service- the best I've ever had! We ordered one chai to share (because we wanted to try it) and they brought us a second one on the house! I also can't believe this beautiful gem of a restaurant exists outside of DC (I know of another highly rated Indian restaurant in DC that has very similar items on its menu and even similar serving ware). I was amazed when I left and I didn't have to go hop on the metro to get home. It's fancy and delicious with great prices. I now know why it has the highest rating in the Columbia area. Because it IS that good.
(5)Irem C.
Wonderful wonderful wonderful!! Delicious in every way. The owner is wonderful and greats you like you are family. Very welcoming and great service! I haven't had anything I didn't like. A must try!
(5)Tiffany W.
Amazing food and amazing service recommend the lamb korma and chicken tikki masala as well as the garlic naan so good! Also the servers were great so nice and have both wine and dessert on the house.
(5)Gary P.
It's now a 5. Not many places get this from me but they deserve it. Service is some of the best I've seen at ANY restaurant. The Host really leads this place well and sets the right attitude for the whole experience. And the food is the second best indian food I've had, which is saying alot. Well deserved.
(5)Terri M.
Royal Taj is hands down the best Indian food in the MD/DC/VA area! Make sure you go for the buffet. They have so many items and they are ALL AMAZING. They have food for those who eat meat and those who want the vegetarian Indian fare. To top off the amazing food, the owner is one of the nicest guys I have ever met, and once you eat there once he always remembers you and welcomes you back with a handshake and a hug. He typically also offers us a free Lassi or glass of wine. Top notch place, you cannot go wrong and I guarantee you will find plenty of items that you like in the buffet!
(5)Greg T.
This is the best experience so far I had at an Indian restaurant! We came with no reservation and were greeted and seat after a very short wait. The manager is a nice and friendly guy. Great food and service.
(5)Johnny I.
I've heard a lot about this place. Since I left England I've been craving Indian food. We walked in right before a big party of people, and the host was enthusiastic and friendly. The booth we sat in was clean and had two cups of water waiting. The menu had your basic curries you'd expect at an Indian restaurant. The host walked around and greeted everyone. We were given complementary tea, papadums with sauces, and a nice dessert. My wife ordered the lamb korma, I had the lamb biriyani. We also got an order of garlic naan. Everything came out at the same time and was delicious. The lamb in both dishes were cooked perfectly, it was tender and flavorful. Price wasn't bad. Left very full. The host was again very kind as we left. I would definitely come back.
(5)Lola S.
They never disappoint!!!! If you love spices and food that makes your toes curl out of sheer delight, you must try Royal Taj. Their service is second to NONE...I love this place.
(5)Jennifer H.
If I could, I'd give this place TEN STARS for everything!!! Food: Spectacular, delicious and fresh. If you're not sure about what you'd like, I recommend going to the buffet to try a bit of everything before doing a dinner night there. However, be advised that this place is ALWAYS packed for lunch or dinner so get there before peak hours. Definitely worth every minute of the wait though. Service: Every restaurant out there can take a lesson from this place about customer service. The owner is always there to greet his guests with a warm smile and ensure that every single person eating in that restaurant arrives, dines and leaves with a smile on their face. The wait staff sees to it that your drinks are always filled. You don't find many restaurants with this kind of hospitality these days. Wonderful place, wonderful food, wonderful staff. One of my favorite places to dine!
(5)Daniella H.
Customer service at royal taj is by far the best we've experienced in the Columbia area in a long time. The waiters were attentive, the manager was very nice, and the food was delicious! The ambience is a lot nicer than I was expecting. The meat was tender, and the sauces were perfectly seasoned. Sometimes Indian restaurants put too much salt in their sauces but Royal taj was right on point. We look forward to eating here more often, especially now that Ahkbar has closed.
(5)LuvDevons L.
Excellent food and very attentive customer service! I've gone there for take out - they're so in demand they're often booked. It's worth it to have the personal attention from the host when picking up the order (plus the delicious tea while you wait). I can't wait to try more dishes! Please check it out!
(5)Jeanie L.
The food here is delicious! The quality and consistency of the staff and cuisine is top notch. The owner never fails to make you feel as if he's welcoming you 'home'. My family and I can't wait to experience his new location!
(5)Sean W.
Phenomenal. Some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten in this country. The young gentleman I presume was the owner met me at the door with a shake of the hand and went above and beyond in an expert demonstration of hospitality. Our server rushed the meal a bit and wasn't the best, but we didn't even care because the food was so good. I wasn't the biggest fan of the chai tea. I wanted it to be more potent and less milky. Overall, the experience was great and we all left very satisfied. While none of us ordered it, the tandoori looked incredible and I will definitely be back again to try it. I highly recommend Royal Taj and wish that I lived closer as this would be a regular destination!
(5)Joey T.
My family and I come here regularly. We have never been disappointed. The host Bendhi has always treated us like family. If you in the area place is a must visit. You will not regret it.
(5)Maria M.
Went here with a couple of friends from PT school. What a great time! We were there a while and it was nice to not be rushed out of a restaurant. The manager was really nice! He found out one of my friends were engaged and gave her a bottle of wine to take home as her engagement present. What a nice gesture! The food is great! I had the Chicken Tikka from the Tandoor and it was great! The chicken was not dry at all and it had a little of kick to it which is always a plus! The naan isn't free but it's delicious! Soft and fluffy and went well with my friend's Chicken Tikka Masala sauce. My husband loves this place and if I didn't mind smelling like indian food everytime I come out of here, I would go here lots of times more =P.
(4)Deborah N.
Good, extensive buffet. Thought some of the dishes were a little basic - as in "spinach" when I would have preferred saag paneer. Did not like the chicken tikka masala but, then again, not my favorite dish by a long shot. Absolutey love that they have the chai tea on the buffet so you can just keep going back and filling up your cup. Wish they would have had another non-white flour bread option, like poori, on the buffet. Not a big eater of plain naan. Sambaar soup was delicious. My normal "go to" buffet place is in Rockville: yelp.com/biz/bombay-bist… . I would say Royal Taj is a bit pricier but comes with the tea. Service is very welcoming and modern. Restaurant is beautiful and a nice place to spend time. Very busy but did not have to wait for a table, nor did I feel rushed out. Bombay Bistro seems to have a bit more variety and equal or slightly better food but, although still a nice place, feel more cramped and less relaxing. Also went one weekend and they were cooking a fish on the buffet and the restaurant smelled too strongly of fish. (That only happened one time, though.) Service at Bombay Bistro is a little more old-school Indian with the server practically bowing to me and calling me madam. That actually makes me uncomfortable and feeling like I'm crashing the first class dining room on the QE2! Both are really good, though. Belly-busting good.
(4)Trivell M.
I had the Chicken Tikka Masala....mmm mmm good! Nice spot, not very large but the customer service was great! Very polite staff and the host was nice enough to give my date and I the best seat in the house for waiting. Overall great establishment.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Amazing Indian food, amazing service, good prices and you can't go wrong with this place. Like other reviewers have said, they are very attentive and make sure your water is always full. Had Chicken Tiki Marsala, Chicken Korma, Naan Bread and the Assorted Appetizers, the complimentary dessert was fried cottage cheese with honey and it was all delicious. All the reviews are spot on and this place is a 10, a F'ing 10 :) Side note: even though its in a strip mall you might want to dress up just a little bit.
(5)Bob K.
Excellent food great service. Highly recommend the Lamb Korma. Staff was friendly but not obtrusive. Gave us a free dessert for no apparent reason.
(5)Anton K.
Went there for lunch yesterday with a co-worker. The lunch buffet and the overall experience was amazing. The lunch buffet is $12, for all you can eat, with all sorts of delicious food (veggies, chicken, rice, naan, appetizers, salad) and the quality of the food was fantastic. We both ate 3 full plates! Besides the food, the restaurant is very clean and the service was great. Very friendly and professional staff. This is how restaurants should be run. Very impressed and definitely coming back.
(5)Melody C.
Well, here's another highly rated review for Royal Taj! I went here for a work luncheon and it was my first time experiencing Indian dining. I was very impressed upon walking in, the restaurant was very fancy looking and well decorated. Definitely not what I expected going out for a buffet lunch! The food was all presently very well in stainless steel servers & trays. I was adventurous and got a bit of everything at the buffet. I liked about everything! There were quite a few chicken dishes in different sauces and the tikka masala was especially good. I was happy that I liked the Indian food, as it's now another option for going out to eat. I don't think it's something I would want to eat all the time, but I would go back to Royal Taj in the future. Excellent service and food.
(4)Amy S.
RT is our family's favorite Indian place in HoCo. There is a line by the door before they open at 5pm and once you go you'll understand why. The floor manager is super nice too and will Eben give you free surprise treats like a doughnut or a drink in the house!
(5)Cyndi K C.
very nice. very crowded on a sat night. great food and service. they comped the ladies at our table free drinks and gave us all free dessert. excellent experience.
(4)Jacqueline G.
Excellent food and service! I will definitely come back. Don't let the suburban strip-mall atmosphere deter you. This is the best Indian restaurant I've been to in the DC area. Come early on Saturday nights- it was got filled up and people were outside waiting. We arrived around 5:30 before the rush and it was perfect.
(5)Andrew G.
The best Indian buffet I have ever been to. I live in another part of the country, and I probably have been to Indian buffets in at least 30 places, and this is the only one where you can watch them making the bhajis and pakoras in front of you. Everything was perfect, and I left +4000 calories heavier, and happy I did so. This was lunch, but I wished I could go for dinner and check some of the scotches they had. I don't think I have seen so many old and fancy single malts in one place.
(5)Brian M.
DW and I dined with a friend a couple Saturdays back. What can i say, that has not already been said. Staff are super friendly and efficient. The food was all very excellent. And they could use a larger space to accommodate more folks during the rush times. I don't remember all the names of the dishes on the buffet but it is an Indian restaurant, they had the staples and did them well! Go! you will not be disappointed.
(4)Frank L C.
One of the best Indian restaurants I've enjoyed in a while. The wait staff was beautifully outfitted, intensely polite, and helpful as well. We kept turning down extras, and they kept offering! We really enjoyed the fresh breads--warm nan, crisp roti (the lime chutney had a nice bite) and sweet Kashmiri nan. My lamb saag was tangy with spices (as requested) with tender chunks of meat in spinach sauce; another of us enjoyed saag paneer, with cheese replacing the lamb in a less-spicy sauce. Lamb Korma was also popular, with a flavorful sauce on those chunks of meat. Vegetarian options abound, and the atmosphere is great. We couldn't refuse a complimentary dessert, in the end, and the generous entree portions provided lunch the next day.
(5)Joy L.
My favorite Indian lunch buffet in the tri-state area! My only complaint is that it's too far from me! I think we should start a petition to have the owners open up a location in DC or northern Virginia! :-) I will note though that it gets extremely busy during the lunch rush hours (12:15-1:15) and if you don't get there early or later, you may have to wait in line. Rest assured - it will be worth it!
(5)Parisa A.
I went here tonight and I can only say positive things. The waiters are all so polite and friendly. They always had a smile on their faces and were more than willing to help if it was needed. The man in charge was absolutely delightful. He gave complimentary drinks (wine) to all the adults at the table. Their food was amazing! I usually get pretty sick after eating Indian food but not today. I will be visiting! Very happy costumer! This is what all restaurants should strive to be like!
(5)Victor P.
Tried the buffet for a late lunch after running an errand nearby. White tablecloths and napkins (real cloth) add a touch of elegance to the place, and service was efficient and friendly -- we were seated with no fuss, and everything in the extensive buffet was delicious: vegetable pakoras, tandoori chicken, mango lassi, gulab jamun, etc. Best of all, the price per person was very reasonable.
(4)Sailaja S.
I have been to this restaurant on my husband birthday. I wanted to surprise him with some good Indian food. I found this restaurant with lot of good reviews about food and staff. Unfortunately its NOT, we ordered chat papri my mother ( diabetics patient) who ate that took IRON PIECE ( approx 2 INCH length ) from her mouth. We showed that to staff and his response was awesome "THIS IS VERY COMMON YOU WILL GET EVEN IN YOUR HOME, SOMETIMES YOU EVEN GET HAIR IN FOOD, ANYWAY APOLOGIES" . Wowww.. Surprised! Okay sir you work in a high rated restaurant that doesn't mean we have to eat your IRON PIECE IN FOOD . You are saying "ITS VERY COMMON", we just walked out of restaurant UNSATISFIED and SPOILING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION . I cant even imagine the circumstances, if she eats or swallows that piece assuming some vegetable. I am sure his response after that also would be "ITS VERY COMMON IT WILL HAPPEN IN YOUR HOME" .. Mistakes happen we can completely understand but we could expect some good courtesy towards your customers. EAT HEALTHY STAY HEALTHY..
(1)A P.
Outstanding food & service. The only problem with this place is it's too small. The Chicken Tikka is outstanding. The Indian seasonings make every meal fantastic.
(5)Casey K.
Well this is just one of those preaching to the choir reviews. Everyone knows this place is wonderful and I just wanted to jump on the bandwagon and say, THIS PLACE IN WONDERFUL! I have never had to wait for a seat, which is pretty crazy because this place gets packed (guess I just always hit it at a good time). You will know why it is packed when you delve into your first bite of chicken tikka masala...pure bliss. I have always come here for the lunch buffet on Sunday. You are greeted by extremely friendly and accommodating staff (the owner in particular), he is just so nice. Plus the whole time he is doing rounds and visiting tables (at one point he was walking around with someone's baby haha). Plus the staff keeps your table clear of plates and your drinking glass full. Now onto the food, off the buffet I had chicken tikka (my fav indian dish) and it was perfect, served with the fluffy and flavorful basmati rice and you have a party in your mouth. I also has the saag paneer (the green spinachy) dish. Both were excellent and having all this wrapped in the perfectly cooked piece of naan bread, well, I can assure you, you are a Royal Taj convert from that point on. When a place can do a buffet and not have any quality of the food be sacrificed, that is very commendable and that is what Royal Taj has accomplished. The lunch buffet is very large, they have chicken tikka, the spinach dish, a lamb dish, a fish dish, a crepe maker who is putting something in them (not really sure, did not pick one up). They have the fried veggies and tandoori chicken. Just when you think it is done, they continue to amaze me. The whole time I had my eye on the gulab jamun. I talked about these in my Rasika review, but will do so again because their gloriousness should reach far and wide haha. These are little cheese based dessert balls, but they do not taste cheesy at all. Instead they taste like a pancake ball that has been simmering in a light maple syrup. It is served warm and I have trouble stopping myself from not grabbing the whole container and bringing it to my table haha. Royal Taj had amazing gulab jamun and it was the perfect end to a perfect meal. I would recommend this place in a heart beat. It's warm, inviting, and the food is just really really good. It's one of those meals that when you take the first bite, you close your eyes, lean back a bit, and just think, "ah yes!" (or maybe I am just that creepy person at the buffet and the only one who does that haha)!
(5)Grady H.
Phenomenal everything!! Customer service to match the high quality food! Very hospitable! Owner personally gave us free second round of drinks and dessert! Check it out!
(5)Michael W.
Great food and service. The owner greets you like an old friend and really appreciates the business. The food is always of high quality.
(5)B L.
I have tried all the Indian food in the area, and this is the best no contest. I've tried half the menu and never had anything less than perfect - and this is all takeout! I've never even eaten in the restaurant, but I've heard from everyone that the owner is super friendly and makes sure that everyone is happy. Mango Grove is very good as well, but at different things. House of India is terrible in comparison. Get the Chicken Makhani.
(5)Aman O.
We went to this place after reading the reviews. It was a great experience. The food was nice but what made the experience even better was friendly staff and excellent service. Would be back here soon!
(5)Richard B.
The service is outstanding and the food is just out of this world. The flavors and all around is a great place to . It get full fas but the wait is well worth it.
(5)Ralph B.
There are few times in my life that I have had outstanding Indian cuisine coupled with an open, pleasant atmosphere with a host and waitstaff who meticulously observe and act on your customer needs. Royal Taj is outstanding for their lunch buffet any day of the week. You'll know this is a quality restaurant not just by the tastes, but by the fact that the restaurant is always peopled with satisfied customers. Sure the wait may be 5-10-20 minutes, but the wait is worth the experience. The food is great and I've always left full and elated. My compliments to the host, Mr. Bindha. My wife and I shall always return. -Ralph Alexander Brower III
(5)Seema B.
My favorite Indian restaurant around here! The food is always excellent and the service is unmatched!! Definitely must visit :-)
(5)Tia L.
The food and service are amazing! Every time I have gone the owner has been very friendly and treats everyone as if they are family.
(5)Jay S.
Excellent!!! Discovered this spot while on a work trip from New York City. One of the best indian restaurants in the states (so good that it made me write my first review). Great service and overall experience.
(5)Secreted S.
This place is silly delicious! I was introduced to it by a friend as I lamented the lack of decent Indian food in the Baltimore area and I can promise you I will be a regular from now on! Everything on the buffet was delicious and the service was amazing. The chai tea is on the buffet and I could happily sit there sipping on it all day if allowed. Friendly, amazing food, and service reminiscent of the good old days when people cared about making connections with clients. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would.
(5)Katie A.
I truly cannot say enough good things about my experience here. Tonight I went for the 3rd time and the service exceeds my expectations each time we go. From the second we walk in to the second we leave we are treated like royalty. The food is delicious and the service is even better.
(5)Eric G.
The food was excellent, but the service was spectacular. We actually felt like royalty! The manager personally greeted us on the way in and thanked us as we left. Wait staff was very attentive and fast. Great place and great value for money!
(5)Geo L.
Great food. Owner is very personable and strives to make the experience good. Servers are professional. The breads (nan, puree) are excellent, curries are tasty and made to your "hotness" level and the tiki marsala is to die for. Only problem is the place gets absolutely packed on the weekends so plan accordingly.
(5)Elizabeth W.
I have consistently said that I no longer give 5 stars unless it is a place that just WOWs me. I should be able to actually say "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" and the other criteria is that I would drive from anywhere to go to the restaurant. Both criteria have been met here!!!!! (except I didn't actually woohoo.) Food: 5/5 stars. My group went for dinner. Dinner prices are kind of on the expensive side, so I definitely want to come back for the lunch buffet one day. Here's what I remember that I got to try: Lamb Vindaloo Lamb Saag Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Korma They were all very good. The Lamb Vindaloo is kind of spicy, but it wasn't too spicy. The Lamb Saag and the Lamb Vindaloo were probably my favorite, I think I like the lamb taste in the food really. The lamb was not gamey at all and the curries were well balanced. The Chicken Tikka Masala was good too. Nothing to complain about. The Chicken Korma has coconut in it and was much too sweet for my taste. My friends tell me it tasted great so I'm assuming it's just because I don't like coconut. One of my friends really disliked the Lamb Vindaloo so there's a show for different palates. The naan and roti were yummy. Service: 5/5 stars. our water was kept filled the entire time. It was my friend's birthday and they gave him a glass of wine on the house. And it wasn't a small glass either, too bad he was driving so he couldn't finish it. I don't think it was a cheap wine either, but I didn't catch the name. They gave him a choice of wines on their menu but he ended up going with whatever they recommended. Our server was nice and joked with us a little and they also were nice enough to bring out the Fruit tart we brought with us and sing Happy Birthday with us when they brought it out. Overall, it was a 5 star experience. I love this place.
(5)Alana B.
My husband and I just moved to the area and wanted to try some different cuisines. We visited royal taj as a result of a yelp search for Indian food. Wowwwww. This place was incredible. We went around 6:00 on a sat night but we got a table right away. We ordered meat samosas to start, then for our meal we shared the tandoori mixed grill and a lamb roganjosh with the garlic kulcha. Food was superb. Meat was tender and juicy, the mixed grill assortment included shrimp, chicken leg, pieces of chicken curry, and veggies served on a sizzling grill plate. The meat samosas were crunchy on the outside and stuffed full with delicious spices and meat. The lamb dish was sweet but also savory. The lamb was so tender it was easily cut with the fork and the rice served with this dish was fluffy and a great combo. The sauce for the roganjosh was the perfect consistency. Light enough to be a sauce and thick enough to dip our garlic kulcha in. The sauce was perfectly seasoned, not too salty but really carried the lamb flavor throughout. The service here is phenomenal. The host opened the door for us and greated us with a warm welcome. He stopped at our table 2 times to make sure everything tasted good. I ordered a glass of Riesling which he refilled on the house. The wait staff seem to dance around the restaurant, very attentive to anyone that needs something. I enjoyed this style since we didn't have to wait for our specific waiter to come by. Our water glasses never reached below half and they offered excellent suggestions for our order. My husband and I weren't huge fans of Indian food before, but we now know what it should taste like!! We are so glad we ate here and we will be going back very very soon!! I encourage everyone to become a patron of Royal Taj, service was excellent and the food was even better. All around one of the best dining experiences I've had so far!!
(5)Augustina G.
On Yelp's official blog, Royal Taj made the list of "Top 100 Places to Eat in the US in 2015". This piqued my curiosity, so I decided to take my favorite dining partner, my father on this adventure. We went to see what all the fuss during their weekend buffet. If it sucked, we were just going to grab some food at the Wegmans across the way. We got there around 12:30 and man, this place was hustling and bustling! There were several parties waiting to be seated. We put the reservation name down and were told by the host that it would be around 35 minutes, but it could be sooner or later. While we were waiting to sit, I watched the host interact with the guest. Not sure if he was owner or manager or simply just the host, but he came off as very warm. It seemed like if he recognized past diners, he would hug them or give (mainly the guys) a thunderclap handshake. A couple of parties looked like they were gifted bottles of wine. Not sure why, but they were happy! So onto the food: the buffet seems to have your standard fare such as chicken tikka masala, naan, palak paneer, etc, but it's an elevated version. I've never been to a buffet where they have a fresh made dosa on site. That was a very nice touch. I also enjoyed the servers going around and offering masala chai tea, which can also be found at the buffet. As many of the yelpers have said, this place is very delicious and I don't think there was a dish on my plate I didn't enjoy. I will go and say that this is up there and say this is one of the better Indian buffets in the area. I was a little sad that there was neither goat meat or gulab jamun on the menu for the day. I was very pleased the halwa and the kheer. During the meal, I noticed that the host came around to the tables and greeted the reservation maker, by name and asked how the food was. Great customer service. Expect to hear thunderclaps while you eat, and no, I'm not talking about a storm. I do kind of wish there was seating at the full bar because I did see a 1-top come in and take a 2-top, so if there was seating at the bar, then this problem would not be much of an issue. I feel like this place is better suited for groups between 3 and 8, not so much for 2.
(4)Zhuozhen L.
Awesome service. Very attentive. The food is also cooked to perfection. I have been here several times and it has never disappointed me. -1 for price. Its a bit on the higher end but definitely worth it!
(4)Jess C.
The owner/manager actually comes around the table to check-in on us, which was really nice. We told him we were celebrating out friends engagement, and he gave her a glass of wine on the house. That was a nice gesture. + 1 star. Even thought he food came in pretty small metal bowls, we were surprisingly stuffed (probably from all the rice). We had the tikka masala, some curry, and a veggie dish. Garlic naan was also delicious. Definitely a classier Indian restaurant in the area!
(4)K V.
Great Lunch buffet today, really enjoyed it as well as all my other meals here. I've never had a bad meal here...always enjoyed the warm, service and food.
(5)Heejin J.
I went to the lunch byffet and they had good, quality service and delicious food for a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to someone else.
(5)Andrew M.
One of the few Indian restaurants I've been to more for sit-down service than straight up buffet, for two very good reasons: food and service. Once you come in, you're greeted by the owner, Mr. Singh's, son. As far as restaurant hosts go, he's one of the most welcoming, friendly, and personable hosts you'll ever come across. He makes you feel well-accommodated and like something between an old friend and seasoned regular, even if you're a new customer. That sets the tone pretty accurately for the kind of meal and dining experience you can expect to have. Even before you eat, you're teased with a symphony of smells and sounds, comprised of the seamless service carts transporting head-turning tandoor grill dishes, being pushed around by the fancily-frocked waitstaff. Do yourself a favor - when you take in the skillet sizzles of the tandoor grill items, give in to your piqued interest and order something with that preparation. Of everything I've tried, here are my favorites: Appetizers: Samosa (meat and veggie), veggie pakora, alu tikki, naan, garlic kulcha, onion kulcha, paneer kulcha, papadam Entrees: Chicken tikka, tandoori mixed grill, malai kofta, saag paneer Desserts: Gulab jamun, kulfi, saffron ice cream Drinks: Best chai! The service really is unparalleled. I'm a casual guy, so the fact that I can come in here wearing jeans and a t shirt yet still be privvy to top notch and attentive service, is a wonderful thing. The waitstaff are very professional and detail-oriented. In the rare case that they got something wrong with the order or in one case, was made to wait for a few minutes (gasp!), they and the great aforementioned host made things right and then some. Exceptional. It doesn't get much better than Royal Taj, for Indian cuisine or dining experiences in general; in Columbia or anywhere else for that matter.
(5)Tony M.
Having sampled about half the menu items over the past few years and several lunch buffets, I can safely say that I've never been disappointed by the food or service. The ambiance of the restaurant is that of a more expensive fine dining experience. In fact, the quality of service would only support that notion. Every time we come, we are welcomed right away by the staff members who begin to recognize you on your second visit. I can honestly say that this type of personal attention and welcoming atmosphere is one of the main reasons my fiancee and I keep coming back. Each dish I've had has been delicious and unique. I really can't say anything negative about portion size or price. Without a doubt, a meal here is an enjoyable and refreshing experience from start to finish.
(5)Steve M.
The best Indian buffet in Columbia...or anywhere else near here! The food on the buffet was fresh and plentiful and the variety is impressive. The dosa's were stuffed with potato and onion and made fresh right before your eyes. There were a variety of chicken dishes and plenty of vegetarian dishes as well. Everything was wonderfully spiced and the attention of the staff is impeccable. The host will greet you with a slap of your hand handshake and you can tell he really loves his job. Get there before noon if you don't want to wait in line with twenty or more other people!
(5)Nora P.
Great Indian - one of our go-to take away places. Have never had a bad dish here.
(5)Santana Ross W.
I wasn't going to write this review, because my first dining experience was with my girlfriend who was not so happy with the service. We came during lunch time to enjoy the buffet. First, they tried to sit us at a dirty table. They did not want to change the table cloth, but after asking twice, they finally did it! Our server was very unattentive, but I didn't real pay any attention since it was buffet. However, my girlfriend complained that her drink was never refilled and she did not like the garlic naan bread that was ordered outside of the buffet. She then pulled up the waiter with her concerns and the manager did not even intervene and he was standing at least 10ft away from us! The manager didnt even offer an apology. Well that was unacceptable. However, I enjoyed the food and will eventually give this place another try.
(3)M P.
Amazing Food, Great Service and good prices!
(5)AR R.
This was our first time visiting Royal Taj; we were thoroughly impressed. The staff gratuitously accommodated our large group within 10 minutes on a Saturday night. The staff is phenomenal and made the evening with attentive, but never intrusive, service. The popularity of this restaurant is well-deserved. Well done!
(5)Joe K.
Amazing, just simply amazing .. Inexpensive lunch buffet with many options including vegetarian only dishes and a good amount of other options. Tawa Chicken here is amazing, I could have ate just a plate of this alone, and the basmati rice too. Must end the meal with their house made chai tea, it's delicious. it was roughly $25.00 for two people for their unlimited lunch buffet, which is a steal as the service was great, friendly and really made for a nice meal. 5 stars.
(5)I S.
I have been here many times and it has never disappointed me. Every time I go there the food is on point delicious and service is superb. I can not say more good things about Royal Taj. The chefs palette is perfect. Nothing is ever too salty, bland, or oily. Everything is cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this place. It's always super busy but don't be discouraged by the line out the door. The manager will always warmly acknowledge you and get you seated as soon as he can. Love this restaurant!
(5)Jade B.
The manager and staff were very attentive and the food was outstanding. I'll be back soon.
(5)Laura R.
Wow! This restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I was blown back by the decor, white table clothes and formal dress of the waiters. Service was absolutely fantastic, food was great. Love the papadam appetizer with the different chutneys. I had the Baingan Bharta which wasn't overly greasy like many restaurants make it. The owner came over personally to ask how our meal was and brought us more rice. Also, our table got dessert on the house, and it was the best Gulab Jamun I've ever had!! If I find myself in Columbia again soon, I'd definitely go back here.
(4)Jacqueline T.
Very classy Indian restaurant. Food was great, although a little bit on the expensive side, but I guess that's what lunch buffets are for... Service was great. I think it was the owner who went around the tables greeting everyone and asking if everything was alright. Good touch! Would definitely come back again!
(4)Cindy M.
My husband and I decided to stop in here because of the great Yelp reviews. It definitely did not disappoint. We went on the Sunday after Valentine's Day and the place was packed, and we had no reservation. They welcomed us anyway and told us it would be about 30-40 minutes and we decided to wait. When our table was ready we were offered a glass of wine on the house because of our wait. We ordered the Saag Paneer and Mango Chicken Curry which were excellent. The service was fast and friendly, and they were extremely attentive. We highly recommend this restaurant for great ambiance, food and service. Definitely an enjoyable evening out and we look forward to going back.
(5)Rajesh P.
Royal Taj has the food and the experience anyone will appreciate. The owner personally touches each customer at various points in the dining experience. He is focused on delivering an awesome experience as if you are a friend or family member. You just fall in love with the service as this is the way it should be. The food was exquisite and on point. I will go out of my way to come here and I live 3 1/2 hours away so I will plan my future visits to the area with Royal Taj in mind.
(5)Mark-Phillip P.
It wasn't the best Indian food I've had, but it was decent. The restaurant was good in good shape and the waiters were helpful.
(4)Eugene N.
This is one of the most amazing dining experiences you can have in MD.
(5)andrew n.
My favorite Indian restaurant in the Columbia. I've only been for the lunch buffet, but the food is outstanding (often times you have a short wait for a table b/c it's so crowded). The options on the buffet are plentiful and include a lot of vegetarian selections. The customer service has always been top-notch as well.
(5)Brandi E.
One of the best Indian lunch buffets in all the country. I don't say this lightly as I have been to a lot of them. There is always about 4 chicken dishes and 4 veg dishes that change somewhat depending on the day. This last time there was even Malai Kofta. This is surprising considering the amount of work required to make it and it was downlight delicious. The buffet also comes with complimentary masala chai. If that wasn't enough, the service is downright impeccable. It's rare to see that level of service but even more so on a buffet. The owner also is always there and greets and says goodbye as you enter. Don't hesitate, just go and get your food coma on. If you are going during a workday expect your afternoon to be somewhat unproductive as you recover from overeating.
(5)Paul S.
My absolute favorite Indian spot. Food is always consistently good and the service is top notch. I can't wait till the move into their bigger location since it's closer to my house!
(5)Jason D.
Incredible service topped with excellent food. Staff constantly went out of their way to have perfect service. The manager was extremely active and even offered me a desert wine on the house.
(5)Jan M.
Wonderful restaurant, wonderful service and great hospitality. Very reasonably priced for a top notch restaurant in Columbia, Maryland
(5)Mapinpa P.
Simply one of the best...for food and service!! Tasty flavorful food and courteous service. Luv their lunch buffet..full of great choices!
(5)Sarah G.
The lunch buffet here is amazing! there are lots of standards such as chicken tikka masala, but they also change some items daily. The chai tea is delicious and a wonderful complement to the meal. I recommend ordering a mango lassi to go with your meal. The service is immpecable as well! The staff is so friendly and attentive. I reccommend getting their before they open the buffet or expect to wait for a while.
(5)casey H.
Ok, this may sound stupid but I gotta say it. The BEST basmati rice I have ever had. There I said it. When you think about it just a little, people in Asia, the sub continent and Southeast Asia, rice is the main course for meals. That said, the 'base' of my meal was crazy good, the entrees that I ordered were equally excellent. If you don't get Indian food this may be a leap, or don't do spicy/weird, don't go. BUT IF YOU LIKE AUTHENTIC MADE LIKE THE MAHRAJA'S MOM, CHEF, KITCHEN STAFF, EAT AT THIS PLACE.
(4)Kristin S.
I went here for my birthday and this place is fantastic. They have a wide selection of traditional Indian dishes. I got the lamb biryani and it was excellent. When you order any dish you can specify how spicy you want it (mild, medium, spicy and extra spicy). I got the biryani spicy and it was perfect. My husband got a lamb dish that was really good too. The service was good, our waiter seemed a little robotic, just wanting to take our order and serve us, not very personable but he was efficient. What was nice was at the end they gave us dessert wine on the house and some little doughy thing that was really good. I will definitely come back to this restaurant, for the food alone!
(5)Josh R.
Great food, great service, great environment. I've been here a number of times, most recently on a daddy-daughter date with my 8 year old. The owner/manager recognized this without being told and sent complimentary tea and dessert to make our meal special. My favorite Indian food in the area and the best service you'll find in this price range. Highly recommended.
(5)Hoyt H.
I can't believe I haven't rated this place yet... I've been here at least 15 times, and the SO probably at least 50 times. In short, the best Indian food around, and we've been to most of the nearby competitors. The manager is supremely friendly, and the staff is very attentive (owners of other restaurants should come here to see how it should be done!). The lunch buffet is great, with a variety of dishes to choose from. Everything I've tried has been great. The food is just as good for dinner, you just have to make a choice on one or two dishes instead of piling up the buffet plates. Very awesome, we'll certainly be back again and again.
(5)Kelly F.
Came here for Valentine's Day. When I first called last week, they said they didn't accept reservations, only walk-ins. I was a little put off by it but after experiencing the most wonderful date and meal there, I have no regrets. Just goes to show that they knew exactly what they were doing by not accepting reservations. The place was packed! :) Service: Impeccable. Insanely attentive (in a good way). Food: Delicious. Perfectly portioned - not too much, not too little. I also didn't get a horrible stomach ache like I do at most Indian restaurants. Price: Reasonable. Not super inflated and overpriced like other restaurants. Ambience: Classy, romantic, but not stuffy in any way. Location: Convenient, located in a plaza near a froyo place and Green Turtle. At the end, they inserted a red rose with the check, which was such a nice touch. AND they offered me a glass of Moscato on the house. AWESOME. Best Valentine's dinner ever. Management knows how to do business. I've never seen a more well-run restaurant.
(5)Kevin M.
THE BEST INDIAN FOOD EVER! This is my second time here and the service and food is ALWAYS top notch. The owner greets you at the door with a level of hospitality and service that's rare to find these days. The food is always on point too (I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala). I hear they have a good lunch buffet but I don't know if I'll ever be able to make it up here for that (I live in Richmond, VA). I highly recommend this place if you are a lover of both good food AND good service!
(5)Bryan G.
My favorite restaurant. Ask the staff are very welcoming and attentive, and the food is incredible! I'll never go back to take out Indian.
(5)Aurora A.
The food was delicious and the service was great. I just wish they were open for more hours. They only have breakfast and Dinner basically.
(4)Parry B.
Love the lunch buffet here! Lot of variety and a mix of all good items. DECOR: This restaurant is very clean and well managed even during the peak hours. The interior is very pretty with great paintings, wall murals and lovely chandeliers. Spacious and seems like it can fit in 50 people at once. FOOD: The lunch buffet is excellent and a total value for money. Veg Appetizers- Onion and potato pakodas, masala dosa, salad Non-veg Appetizers- Tava Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Main course-There are approx 6 vegetarian items dal makhni (black lentils), saag (spinach), aloo baingan (potatoes and brinjal), chilly paneer, rice pilau and tandoori naan (bread). The 2 non-vegetarian items are fish curry and butter chicken. Desserts- Masala Chai, Rice Kheer and Gulab Jamun/Gajar Halwa. Great variety and each item was very tasty! SERVICE: The manager is very social and will keep inquiring with you if everything is fine. He is very friendly and polite. The waiters are humble too. PRICE: $12.5 per plate, what else?
(4)Dave J.
The Royal Taj made my wife and I so happy. The Rogan Josh was magnificent and the vegetable samosas were very good. The host made us feel welcome from the moment we opened the door. This guy was everywhere making sure every customer was seated as quick as possible and enjoyed themselves. He came by our table after my wife ordered a glass of wine and I a water to ask me if I wanted a free glass of wine. When leaving give the man a smile, thank him, and lower your hand palm up so he can give you five in the way out. I highly recommend the Royal Taj and can't wait to go back again soon.
(5)Kenneth W.
Had my birthday dinner here this year and was extremely impressed with both the food and the service! Everything was wonderful!
(5)J. M.
Solid Indian food but noticeably overpriced with slightly shrunken portions which makes it borderline obscene. Great service though, the occasional skeevy/smarmy smile notwithstanding.
(3)Chad B.
I ate here last Sunday afternoon for the buffet and really liked it. It was only my 2nd time eating Indian food, and my first at an Indian buffet. For the large amount and high quality of the food, the price was very reasonable at $13. There were about 10 or so trays of hot food. I'm not able to remember the exact names of the foods, but everything I tried was good! There were several chicken dishes in various sauces. One had a curry sauce, another had a gravy (one was chicken masala). There was a good bit of vegetables in the dishes. There was a small "salad bar," and a big tray of white rice. The rice was a little longer than usual and mixed well with the other foods. At the end of the bar, there was a large tray of fried pieces of fish. It was "fishy" tasting, but I liked it. There was also a bar with many types of liquors off to the side but none of us ordered any alcohol. The service was excellent. The waiter checked on us several times and continuously refilled our water. Another guy kept coming over to see if we liked the food. Everyone was very friendly. The place was clean too. Highly recommended!
(5)Helen D.
Always excellent food and great service.
(4)Andre M.
This is my second review ... both 5 stars. Let me just quickly say that over 300+ people can't be wrong. When I yelp, I look at rating and the amount of people that have rated an establishment. I cannot for the life of me find another restaurant anywhere close to this one. Ok, now for something useful: Staff - awesome, I NEVER asked for a waiter to come to the table, they were constantly checking up on my party (5). I think I know the owner from a past life or something because he always greats me ... "over the top". Food - butter chicken, meat samosa apps ... heaven Atmosphere - clean, warm, and inviting Cost - reasonable, $120 for 5 people ... and I gave a 30% tip. Lastly ... I live 40+ miles away!
(5)Yimei W.
BUFFET: this is where it's at. Just get the lunch buffet for $13 and you're covered. They also have masala chai, which was a tea drink, and they had desserts as well. They have dosas (indian crepes with potato and curry inside) and a separate fried pakora section. Plus, they are right next to Yogi Castle (if you have enough room after stuffing yourself) and you can do your grocery shopping afterwards at Wegman's.
(5)Bob S.
What else can I say that 500+ reviews and 4 and 1/2 stars doesn't? I don't know, but I'll try! The owner is awesome and friendly. The food is about as good it gets. The service is efficient. Don't let the line fool you, it usually moves quickly. Can't wait until they move to the bigger location.
(5)Andrew K.
Went to this place based on the reviews on Yelp. The staff is dressed very nice and they are very attentive. The girl at our table got a free glass of wine because everyone else ordered alcohol but she didn't. Once the meal was done and we didn't order dessert they gave us a free round of this cheese ball dessert which was amazing. It tasted like kunafa but I'm sure it had a different name. Indian food isn't my favorite thing but this place does customer service extremely well so I'm giving it 5 stars. I got the lamb korma btw. It was very good.
(5)John M.
I just ate at this Indian place. I went there wearing jeans and a T-shirt and it felt more like a suit and tie type place. They treated me like I was a freaking king in there it was amazing. The food was also off the chart.
(5)Jake W.
Exellent food and service. I highly recommend the chicken saag. Service is very attentive without being intrusive. I always visit when I am in town.
(5)Nroop B.
Heard a number of good things about this place and finally we have tried it. And I am glad this one met our expectations. Delicious food and great hospitality. Breads served the best way! Truly one of the best Indian restaurants in DC Metro or Baltimore metro area.
(4)Jamie F.
It's the only Indian restaurant I go to in Columbia. The staff is very friendly and attentive and the food is delicious.
(5)Anu R.
Real good place for Indian food, food tasted amazing, service was good, nice ambience, less varieties that too on a sat'day buffet(it's no biggie as what ever they had was real tasty), place is little bit small, expect some wait time. I would definitely return.
(5)T L.
Amazing as usual; there was a 20 minute wait on a Saturday night but it was well worth it. Tikka masala and tandoori mix was great. Service was great.
(5)Sean U.
Tried the Chicken Methi today. Will be ordering this dish again in the near future!!!
(5)Trevor R.
One of the best Indian options in the area. Royal Taj and the vegetarian focused Mango Grove are my favorites among the Columbia Indian restaurant options. Royal Taj is very popular for the lunch buffet so it can get quite crowded. Arrive early or prepare for a line out the door and a long wait. Service has always been good and the atmosphere is typical Indian restaurant style.
(4)Juliana M.
3 & a half would be fair. We had no reservation as we just was in the area. Service with as smile should be their motto- as everyone from the owner was so friendly & polite.My rating is for the food itself-not for the rest which really could deserve more. After a rather long wait we were seated. we ordered veg & meat samosas. I did not like the meat samosas at all. To me it felt like the meat was rescued from some other prepared dish, ground up & used for the filling-- it lacked the onions , ginger & coriander leaves that enhance the flavor. The dinner entrees- was fine- except the vegetable malai kofta-- which is a vegetarian substitute for a meat ball curry. The koftas were hard & lacked flavor & was disappointin, the chicken tikka masala-- al little too sweet. Overall experience was very pleasant due to the charming host who welcome you with open arms & bids you farewell with a hug.
(3)Joe B.
Outstanding food. Spicy, but not hot, complex tastes you just don't get in many restaurants, nice people too.
(5)Jay S.
awesome dinner/feast here. staff was very friendly and food was fantastic! if you like authentic Indian food don't miss this place.
(5)Puneet M.
I've been to Royal Taj about 5-6 times now and I figured it was time to write a review. I've been to about 10 or so Indian Places in the Baltimore/DC area and Royal Taj has been the best. I have been here for both Dinner and their lunch buffets, I am going to focus more on the buffets, but there dinner food is KILLER! even better than the buffet. Staff: The staff is super nice and they come by take plates when you are done and fill water glasses so often that your glass is never half empty! Also, the owner is always walking around making sure everything ok, each and every time I have been he has personally stopped by and asked how is everything, even when the place is packed he takes time out to do this, Def. 5 stars for the service. Food: Oh man, the food. The food is great! the buffet and dinner food are both killer. All the chicken dishes are cooked to perfection, the sauce and chicken are both very flavorful and fresh. You never feel that you are eating hours old food. One of the best things about Royal Taj is that they dont use as much oil and grease as the other Indian places. I hate when you walk up to a buffet container and you can see your self through the inch layer of oil that is sitting on top of the food! (Huge pet peeve of mine) and Royal Taj has NONE of that... food is fresh, less oily and super flavorful. The only reason I am some times hesitant about going here is the price. There prices are on the high side, but I am ok with paying for it since I know each and every time the food and service are perfect! Highly recommend if you want great great Indian food! a must visit if you have never tried Indian food and are looking for a good place to try! A heads up for everyone: If you are going during the weekday lunch buffet, GET THERE EARLY... there is useally a line out the door by 12:15. Masala Chai anyone! See you at the buffet...
(5)Jessica F.
I have never been a major fan of Indian food. I am a wimp when it comes to spicy. However, my friend mentioned the buffet and I was willing to venture through their doors. I was not expecting it to be as classy as it was. The servers are well dressed. There is classical music drifting through the speakers and of course, the food is amazing. I still couldn't get over the stuff that was just a little too spicy but I enjoyed what I tried and would definitely come back.
(4)Sean O.
I went here with a date with her group of friends and it was the first time I'd ever been to an Indian restaurant. I'm a picky eater so I was skeptical about going here but I went anyway. I happen to love carbs so when the servers brought out a lot of rice and naan, I was pumped. I ordered the chicken tikka masala and I loved it. The servers also gave us a complimentary desert of fried cottage cheese balls in a simple syrup. It was also delicious. The service was top notch along with the food. They all were nice and our server honored an internet coupon that he shouldn't have. It was a nice gesture. The atmosphere was clean and classy. I wish I lived closer to this place (I live in Baltimore) because I'd love to go back! It was great.
(5)Ann K.
Great service with attentive waiters. Love the hot chai, fish curry and fried veggie. Pretty good deal for lunch buffet. 3.75
(3)Brandon S.
Decided to try this place out after being outside another fine Indian cuisine place a couple days ago and smelling the wonderful aromas of Indian food. I got there 6 minutes late and was unable to get any food that day. I found this place on my way to get food elsewhere and my eyes lit up with excitement. I am very glad I came in to eat. Everything I tried on the lunch buffet was great. Even the mango ice cream I got to go.
(5)Michelle H.
So, I have to tell you - after my first time eating here, I broke out into a horrific rash. We're talking itchy and scratchy and all that good stuff all up and down my rib cages. But, do I let that deter me from dining here again? Of course not! The food is just that darn tasty from here that I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of surface level discomfort for that yummy goodness in my tummy. This place does an incredible lunch business - the line on any given Friday is always out the door. But if you can wait the extra 10 minutes to get seated, it is well worth it. The spread of the buffet is warm, inviting and plentiful. They must do something extra to the basmati rice here because it is incredibly addictive. Plus, the service is always very gracious. Bonus points too for the modern decor - it does not look like your typical Indian restaurant, Overall, I am a fan and you will be too once you've tried it!
(4)Vandhana M.
the best Indian food i had tasted so far. ..it was our first time and i must say that the hospitality had been like as if we had been going there for ages.. very genuine... .. recommend it to anyone who would wanna taste a real authentic Indian food..as i love spicy dishes, i luved the spicy salmon curry that i got ( but of corz, the spice level is how much u want it to be) #MustVisit
(5)Michael Z.
Absolutely Fantastic. I have been here more times than I can remember. Where to begin? The restaurant is located in an unassuming center location of a strip mall next to a Deli and a Frozen Yogurt place. Don't be deceived by the plain exterior - through the glass you can catch a glimpse of the stereotypical white tablecloths and well dressed servers carrying plats of colorful and gooey substances to various tables. You'll often find people waiting in the very small lobby area of the restaurant if it is a weekend evening or any sort of holiday type day so I would strongly recommend calling ahead for reservations if you plan on dining on a non-weekday night. If you call for reservations you will still need to wait in the throng of people but the manager on duty is very good about making sure you are at the head of the throng to be seated. Once you finally are seated you will be treated to a rather nicely attentive staff. The majority of the wait staff do have some degree of an accent but are all nice enough to repeat what they said if you ask politely. The menu is large and varied with entree dishes priced in the $10-20 range. I extremely highly recommend the Chicken Tikka Masala. After trying a variety of dishes at Royal Taj this continues to impress time after time. The sauce is perfectly flavorful. When you order your dishes you can also ask that they are made extra spicy if you so desire. The staff of the Royal Taj also have a habit of giving minor freebies to repeat customers. The only time I did not receive a complimentary addition to my meal was on the busiest of busy nights (understandable). Typically this comprised of a couple gulab jamun but I have also noticed a pattern of the wait staff bringing a complimentary mango lassi to attractive women dining there (especially if there are no men present at their table - smooth!) All in all the Taj is definitely a go to place for some of the best Indian food you'll find out in the Balto-Wash suburbs.
(5)David R.
Fantastic service and best Indian food in Columbia. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner; just be aware that there may be a line...
(5)Lisa R.
My husband and I went here for dinner last night after reading some positive reviews. The food and service were both excellent! To start there were some crisps and a delicious chutney tray waiting for us at our table. The menu was quite large so we had a hard time deciding what to eat, but we decided on chicken pakora to start and then lamb vindaloo and paneer tikka for our meals. Everything was piping hot and delicious with generous portions. Our meal even ended with a small complementary dessert! The servers were very attentive- like your glass will be topped off every time you take a sip of water! My only complaint is that the dining area was kind of dark. It is nice to have some low lighting for ambiance, but I had a hard time even finding the bathroom door handle haha. The lighting is really a minor issue though- I will definitely return!
(5)Nathan C.
Well, I had been here for the lunch buffet, which is certainly a standout even next to the right-down-the-street House of India (no slouch). Dinner is best described using subvocalizations starting with the letter "M", little happy grunts, and perhaps some interpretive theater involving shiny puppets. Or the word "awesome" will do in a pinch. We had the tandoori chicken, lamb roganjosh, and chicken tikka masala. Of course, you can't have this kind of food without naan, and we got the straight-up stuff and the kind with garlic in it. The breads were terrific; pillowy and crispy in the way only tandoor bread can be. A+ all the way. The tandoori chicken was a hit with our picky batch of carpet primates. While they didn't quite skeletonize the chicken in a Piranha fashion, they did their due diligence. The waiter even recommended getting it "extra mild" when he saw them - extra server points awarded. The lamb and chicken were absolutely, entirely perfectly cooked and spiced. Amazing sauce, tender meat, and a big plate o' rice to spoon it over. Heaven! They even brought us out those little honey donut doohickeys for dessert. I know I lose points for not knowing what they're called, but I know how they taste and I'm good with that. The waiter even brought extra for the little dude who wolfed down his helping and my wife's. Speaking of the staff; they are entirely friendly and available without being in-your-face. They make recommendations with a smile and really seem to want you to have a great experience. Five stars all the way. Go Royal Taj! Also FYI, "Taj" is a valid Scrabble word.
(5)Nader N.
Awesome..I recommend this to everyone in the world.Great service and always feel welcomed.
(5)Arun K.
I was in Baltimore for a weekend with friends and we decided to hop in here for dinner. I am an Indian and know my Indian food, and I can tell you that the malai kofta, chenna masala and garlic naan were just perfect.
(4)X J P.
Oh my! I love this place! It's the best Indian restaurant that I've been to in Maryland. Food - excellent! Service - excellent! I've been here for dinner several times which is great and finally stopped in for the lunch buffet. As you may expect, the lunch buffet was awesome, too. I will be back (often)! If you live in or near Columbia you must drop by the Royal Taj.
(5)Q L.
The food was delicious and service was attentive and quick as well. We were celebrating the birthday of a friend and had a large party, and the wait was not too long. The staff was very friendly. We were there for dinner, and it was dark outside, and also a little too dark inside as well, not enough lighting.
(5)Habibi S.
Awesome food, clean environment, and even better customer service. Highly recommend the chicken tikka masala and the salmon tikka masala.
(4)Ron V.
Outstanding food and service. Best vegetable biryani I have had. Perfect. Same for gulab jamun. The owner is overthetop service oriented and runs the show like a gifted conductor. I can't wait to return and try their buffet some time.
(5)R A.
Looking forward to returning. "Royal" definitely covers it. Friendliest, sweetest, most delightful and lovely staff I've ever encountered. Every single staff member who tended to us was a gem. This goes beyond customer service or customer satisfaction; this truly felt like we were being hosted in their own home as their honored guests. It's not possible to radiate this much care without loving what you do and ascribing to the highest level of hospitality as a company value. FOOD: VERY tasty, presented nicely. Great texture, nice portions. AMBIANCE: classy, warm, cozy. Sophisticated dark woods, white tablecloths, soft yellow lighting, an oil "candle" with lampshade at every table. Indian art of various sizes and subjects throughout -- some difficult to see in the low light, but that was totally made up for by the back-lit frames, which served as art in themselves. Even the salt and pepper shakers were sleek and stylish. SERVICE: The best. Additional note to above: A somewhat small restaurant of the highest quality at the peak of dinner rush: so we had to wait a few minutes to be seated. Our host said 10 minutes, so we stood by the fireplace in the entrance to the restaurant and enjoyed our surroundings. It didn't feel like more than 10 minutes, yet at the very moment we sat down and throughout our meal, even as we were paying our bill, we were showered with offers of complimentary drinks by our host and one of our servers, and we were presented with a delicious dessert on the house. I thanked our host profusely and asked, why do you keep offering items on the house? His answer was that we waited 20 minutes (I don't believe it :) ) and that for anyone who has to wait, they try to offer complimentary items to help make their experience most enjoyable. Go here. If you at all like Indian food, go here. The food is fabulous, and the staff effuse a friendliness at once encompassing, genuine, and rare.
(5)Christine O.
Hands down the best restaurant in Columbia! Each time I looked up restaurants in Columbia, Royal Taj was at the top and was curious to see what it was all about. BEST DECISION EVER. Rarely are guests treated *genuinely* like royalty at restaurants these days. Everything at Royal Taj was absolutely perfect. One of the owners, Bindha, checked on us every once in a while in a pleasant way. Him and the staff knew it was our first time and I'm telling you, it won't be the last. Every 5 star post here on Yelp is accurate - the food, staff, atmosphere... is perfect! The food was rolled on a cart for us and each time a dish came out, you could hear the sizzling of the food plate from the tandoor! What we had for dinner: + Tandoori salmon = delicious!! Seriously made for two since it portion size was big! + Chicken Tikka Malasa = delicious!! Served under fire... + Mango lassi - compliments of the house and it was delicious and greatly appreciated + Naan = delicious!! + Papadam (prefer naan though but it was a nice way to start a meal) + Dessert on the house (fried cheese?) but could not find room to eat it all after the feast we had! Departing Royal Taj was sad... since I wanted to stay there to eat all the food on the menu! Will definitely be back! Yelp reviewers know best - thanks for the recommendation! Thanks again Bindha and Royal Taj :)
(5)Rebecca G.
Lunch buffet was very large, great for chicken lovers - a little less variety for the vegetarian husband. Nice dosas made while you wait. Good flavors. Spicy but not overly so. Could use better signage/ explanation on the serving dishes.
(3)Joyce M.
I really like this place. The manager who is always there...maybe he is the owner...not sure, but he's always there and remembers your face. He is very kind and very welcoming. There is also a waiter there who always makes us laugh and also very nice. What great customer service! The food is delicious too! Very flavorful! I love the chicken tandoori, the basmati rice, spinach, naan and lamb dishes. We were lucky enough our second time here to eat during buffett time (heard usually the lines are long, but came late Sunday afternoon after the brunch crowd). They have a rice pudding (cold dessert) and it reminded me of a similar breakfast dish I ate when I was young (white rice, milk and sugar). I was sooo full, but I ate two bowls of that rice pudding! This is not a big place, although they can put tables together and they have a big round table, I say no more than 6 in your group if you don't want issues in seating/waiting. When my boyfriend and I ate here the first time, we were intrigued at the things people were ordering and was able to enjoy some new dishes we never tried before. The servers take the time to explain what things are if you do not know. I rather eat here during buffett because I get to eat the usual things I like and it's cheaper than when my boyfriend and I came to eat for dinner. But either way, when I'm craving for some good Indian food...Royal Taj is the first place I think of.
(4)Matthew C.
These guys do it right. The owner is always there, and is exceptionally friendly. I cannot imagine someone having a poor experience here, because all the waiters are so attentive. As far as the food, it's also amazing. Really the best place in Columbia, and would put it up against any restaurant anywhere.
(5)Timir D.
Very nice Indian buffet lunch. Quality of food is superior to most places in the area. Decent number of selections, reasonable prices, excellent cleanliness and service. Whats good: Tandoori Chicken, succulent. Butter chicken, rich tomato flavor Masala Dosa to order (for buffet), could be thinner but still great All chicken dishes have tender non-overcooked meat Veg Pakora, crispy outside tender inside and not too oily Unlimited Chai, tea Indian style Kheer, rice pudding Authentic green chillies Very welcoming and attentive staff What could be better: Larger selection of dishes Some lamb or goat items would be nice More bread options, not just naan Maybe another dessert option such as ras mali or gulab jamun Overall worth the trip to Columbia, the only other comparable Buffet location is Minerva in Rockville/Gaithersburg which wins simply on the number of total choices. Would certainly return and recommend to friends
(4)Samuel C.
Best Indian restaurant. Gotta Love it.!!
(5)MJ C.
Yum - My kids have been trying to get us to try Royal Taj for weeks... it is a bit of a drive but totally worth it. If you aren't sure about Indian - come for the Lunch Buffet and you can taste a plethora of dishes and really experience some delicious and authentic Indian food. The staff is friendly and helpful.
(5)Jessica A.
Service is fantastic, food is even better. Quite possibly the best Indian restaurant in the area. - Lunch buffet is excellent. High quality meat and the sauces were fabulous. Indian food can at times be very heavy, but even the chicken tikka masala was delicious and light. - LOVE the chai tea that is included with the buffet. Desserts were fabulous. The gulab jamun was the perfect consistency; not mealy, not greasy, perfectly sweetened. - There is a guy making fresh dosas at the buffet and vegetable pakora... awesomely delicious. - Curry chicken sauce was excellent - really, everything at the buffet was great. I can't say the same for the other indian buffets I have been to in the area. I really hope they stay consistent in he quality of their food and service. If so, I have no reason to go to another Indian restaurant. - Seating is limited and the food is great so waits can be long. Try to come during off hours for lunch.
(5)David M.
I am a vegetarian (not vegan) and am always looking for restaurants with lots of options. I was just there (again) last night and I counted no fewer than 12 vegetarian entrees and several appetizers. I highly recommend this place for vegetarians. I really can't say more than what is already posted though, phenomenal service, wonderful, flavorful food, and lots of options. Dinner and buffet are both just awesome. This is the best Indian restaurant I have found in a 50 mile radius. If you love ice cream as much as I do, you have to try the Mango Ice Cream (not sorbet!!)
(5)Keith W.
First time here and I was very impressed! The lunch is a buffet and the quality is excellent. I tried one of everything and nothing disappointed. My bill was around $15 and I am definitely looking forward to going back again. The owner came over and greeted us and asked how our meals were and it was a very clean and professional setting.
(4)T.J. C.
Royal Taj is an awkward little identity crisis of a restaurant next to a smoothie shop in a strip mall across from the new Wegman's in Columbia. It's good, but it didn't blow my mind. The decor of the place is so weird for an indian restaurant. I can't help thinking that the bar (which is actually pretty cool, though small) looks like it belongs on a pirate ship, and the diner-style railings and pane glass walls are way too western in their appearance to make the place feel like an Indian restaurant should feel. Instead it feels sterile and faux-upscale, more facade than genuine. I had saag paneer and a mango lassi. First off, don't order a mango lassi to go-- they put it in a foam bowl with a loose top and cover it in foil. It's basically the most inconvenient way to serve a beverage. Additionally, it's pre-blended, which is kinda sad, but it was tasty enough. The saag paneer was good, and spicy, although salty. I could have used a little more kick, but the paneer itself was nicely done and there was a good ratio of paneer to spinach. The rice was cooked well. The portions are quite large at least for take-out-- mine lasted for about two and a half meals. Service was kind of all over the place (20 minutes to make saag paneer?) but they were relatively busy so I'm willing to overlook it for my first visit. They were friendly although I was confused when 3 separate waiters went to get my food at different times. They had trouble finding my check. Not bad, but I'm curious to see how other Indian places stack up to them.
(4)David G.
I had dinner here while on a business trip to Columbia. Thanks, fellow Yelpers. Columbia is kind of a wasteland of national chains but Royal Taj, located in a sterile strip mall off Snowden River Parkway, was excellent. Both dishes I ordered - the tikka paneer and the lamb vindaloo - were excellent, as good as or maybe even better than at my favorite little neighborhood Indian place back in San Francisco. The paneer was superb - it tasted homemade. The accompanying roasted onion and pepper, often my favorite part of tandoori dishes, were also excellent. The vindaloo was probably the best rendition I've had anywhere. This dish disappoints so often, but not at Royal Taj, where it was perfectly spiced, loaded with big chunks of lamb, and sauced beautifully. I will definitely come back here when I'm back in the area - in fact, if my business ends early enough on Friday, I'll come for the lunch buffet.
(5)Lien C.
Heard great things about this place; therefore, its a must stop place while I am in MD. It was definitely not a disappointment. Even their lunch buffet is delicious so it makes me wonder how their regular dinning is going to be. Too bad, I wasn't in MD long enough to stop by again for a 2nd try. The wait line was out the door but it was definitely worth the wait. The waiter and everyone was super nice and their food is to die for. Everything was very favorable and I just can't stop eating. Stuff my face like it was the end of the world. I would totally recommend this place :)
(5)Adheesh S.
This place is awesome! I'm a repeat customer every week. The owner is friendly and welcoming. The food quality is phenomenal. The staff is very attentive and professional. The food is well made, tasty and fresh. I've taken many guests here. My mom enjoyed the fish curry, my fiancee and I love the gulab jamin, she's also a fan of the Dosa. I think the chicken soup and lamb are great. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Drew M.
I wish I could give this 6 stars. We yelped looking or a good dinner place and come up with royal Taj. What a wonderful experience and I understand why all the good rating. The service was excellent, the staff polite, professional and just plain nice. The food was to die for - everything was excellent. We will make a special tip up to go back whenever we want outstanding indian food.
(5)Patrick G.
We have been going to this restaurant since it opened a few years ago. This has become my favorite Indian restaurant in the Columbia, MD area. The service has always been top notch and the food is really good.
(5)Ginny H.
This restaurant serves fabulous Indian food. We were coming back from the Game Change casting call in Baltimore Saturday morning, absolutely starving because we were too rushed to eat breakfast before our trek, when we checked the GPS linked app for highly rated food near our location on Route 95. Then Yelp confirmed the quality of Royal Taj. So glad we found it, The last time I had Indian food this good was in London. It definitely beats any Indian place in the Bethesda area and was very resonably priced. (In Bethesda you are suspicious unless you are paying twice what your dinner is worth...)
(5)Julia M.
You know a restaurant is good when you're already deciding to write a positive review on it before you've made it home. We had originally planned to go to another Indian restaurant in Columbia, but when we found the place had closed, we decided to swing by here instead. Thank goodness we did. My husband ordered the biryani and I ordered the chicken vindaloo. Usually I shy away from biryani, because it is either too greasy or completely lacking in flavor. This biryani was neither--it was light and flavorful, and an ample serving. Likewise, my vindaloo was full of flavor and the perfect consistency. The servers and manager were wonderful, and all of them were very kind to our 16-month-old daughter (who stuffed herself from our plates). The decor inside was lovely. Dinner tonight was probably one of the most pleasant dining out experiences we've had recently. We certainly will be back....and we absolutely want to try the lunch buffet on an upcoming trip!
(5)Grep P.
I really like their service and ambiance but food is not very good. I had lunch buffet yesterday. The food tasted 3/5. However, I was burping till midnight because of some questionable ingredients they may have used. This is very bad for health. This has happened in couple of occasions before too. In my opinion this restaurant offers the same food quality and options as Akbar, House of India et al. Which is not saying much because they are all average. If you want to see how properly prepared fresh Indian food tastes like, try India Xing in Rockville. At the moment India Delight is doing quite well because it is new. However, if they do not improve on food, sadly they may follow the same suit as zPizza, California Tortilla, Orinoco Coffee, Atlanta Bread etc which closed down within months of opening in the same building. Good news is, India Delight has the potential. Hope they don't go down. No fresh Naans for lunch? Common guys... you guys should know better, Naan is simply worthless after 3-4 minutes of preparing. When you charge premium $$, provide premium food too.... please.
(2)Jennifer S.
I have been eating Indian cuisine for a while now and just recently decided to have my husband try it as well. We went to Indian Delight for my birthday dinner and the food was amazing, the atmosphere was very romantic but casual and they treated us like royalty! All the waitstaff made sure we always had what we need and were very pleasant. My husband realized that he loves the savory spices and fresh ingredients the comes with Indian cuisine. We will return again very soon.
(5)Yvonne F.
The GM is very friendly, personable and appreciates your business. I have eaten at this restaurant at least 6 time and my children love the food as well, especially the mango lassie and the naan bread. As for my husband... well he can only tolerate so much spicy food so I take my children there when it's just the three of us. The wait staff is very professional. My girls and I have eaten at another Indian restaurant and this is by far the best ever. The only improvement that I have suggested is that they enlarge dining area. There is only one table that seats 6-8 people. The GM informed me that he is looking to open up another restaurant that is not in a mall setting.
(5)A G.
Flavorful, stylish, relaxing dining experience, an oasis in the heart of HoCo.
(5)Mrs A J.
My husband loves Indian food. First Indian place we tried locally. No need to go further. Many options on menu. Staff and ownership very receptive. Local Indian staple for sure.
(3)Jess C.
I won't claim to be an expert on Indian cuisine, but I loved this place. The service was excellent: attentive, but not annoying, and very friendly. We went for dinner on Sunday night and ordered alu tikki, veggie samosas, chicken tikka masala, and chana masala. Everything we had was delicious, including the complimentary dessert. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Susan S.
SUPERB service - can't recall more attentive staff at any venue/price. Food was delicious and kids were welcome and did well. Highly, highly recommended.
(5)S O.
My husband and I spent an evening out without the kids and had dinner here. They did not disappoint. The food was flavorful, and the service was fantastic. We will definitely go back!
(5)Ji Ye Y.
Amazing service. The owner was amazing offering my friend, birthday girl, a glass of wine and giving us all jamun gulub. And besides the amazing service. The food was on point and delicious. Overall I can't wait to come back and try some more types of food. I want to try the lunch buffet since it's so famous for that next time.
(5)Jenni H.
The service was wonderful. I ordered the Chicken Korma and the Lamb Saag. The food a little watery and bland, but tasted good. So I guess it depends on the way you like your sauce. I like mine a little thicker. The rice is awesome and they give you a good amount with take-out. I definitely will go back.
(3)L D.
Awesome. Best Indian food I have had in Marylard. Place is jam packed everyday. There is usually a line in the parking lot which means they are turning their food over. Well worth it and the offer different spice levels for every entree.
(5)Gautam V.
This was my first visit and believe me I was stunned the way the guy greeted me. His handshake said it all. Food was extremely good, not at all bland and I loved that "Indian Flavor" was still preserved. Extremely friendly staff. Good Job guys !!!
(5)Jack K.
Everything I had was rather awesome. I had the chicken vindaloo, naan bread, plus the complimentary starters (papadum) and dessert. Service is also very attentive. Would definitely eat here again!
(5)P S.
They have the best North Indian (punjabi) food that I have tasted in Columbia. Equally good is the service which is unlike any indian restaurant I have been to. All in all a must go place..
(5)Lou S.
This place has great food, they are so kind, the manager was asking us all the time how the food was- almost a little too many times- like you take a sip off your water they come to refill. Open buffet lunch is amazing!
(4)Eve C.
Only had the buffet, but liked the food. Busy, but worth the wait. Oddly, loved the chai milk tea the best. Staff is quick and friendly. Just wish it was a little bigger. There are a lot of Indian buffets in Columbia, but will continue to go as long as they don't increase their prices.
(5)Scott R.
I really liked this restaurant. Service was the best. The staff is very friendly and attentive without being annoying. The owner is a really nice guy.
(5)Kristin M.
Great food, nice ambiance, great management, attentive service. This is our favorite place for Indian food. The restaurant is relatively small so I'd recommend making a reservation. The last time we went without a reservation on a Saturday night we ended up only waiting 10-15 minutes, but there really isn't much room inside to wait.
(5)Gwynedd D.
Best dosas I've ever had, and that includes in India. The buffet is incredible and they do have vegetarian offerings, so you can take your vegan friends out as long as they avoid any paneer or ghee. The rasam soup is also excellent. Generally, when I eat Indian food, I also eat only the vegetarian dishes as that's where I think Indian food really shines. The dal is good, and so are the veggie curries (like allo gobi, etc.) But the big treat are the dosas, which are made fresh, are large and very very savory. Mouthwatering, in fact. The only problem I have with Taj is my stomach can't hold enough --I don't eat a lot at one sitting and the food here makes me want to try everything twice. And even though I'm not a spice addict and it actually can upset my tum, the food here could turn up the spice a notch or two. But--it's really good--maybe one of the best Indian restaurants I've tried in the US.
(5)Ethan K.
Royal Taj has everything you could want in a great restaurant; good atmosphere, good service, and even better food. Royal Taj is the best Indian food experience I have ever had. I have only been for dinner 2 times and the place was crowded both times, so call before hand. The host is very friendly and treats you very nicely, almost like family. The food is absolutely amazing. We have had the chicken tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, and chicken malhanki (or something like that) each was absolutely delicious. Their naan is also very good, nice, thin and chewy. The service is incredibly friendly. There are so many employees waiting to help you that you never have just one, its just whoever sees your glass is low or you need something, takes care of you. The service is just right, always attentive, but not too pushy or intrusive. My wife and I highly recommend this restaurant for dinner and we will be in to try the buffet soon.
(5)Nadia B.
After reading all the wonderful reviews of this restaurant on yelp, I decided to give it a try. While the staff is very friendly and service is excellent, it was lacking on the buffet menu. I am a vegetarian so was really looking forward to their vegetarian menu. In fact I talked to the chef the night before to inquire about the vegetarian menu and he named at least 10 veg. dishes that he has on the menu everyday. I get there and take a look around to see about 3 veg dishes, pakoras on the side and thats about it. I was expecting a lot more. I was starving and already there so decided to give it a try. If you eat meat as well, then I guess the buffet was decent. Otherwise dont waste your time.
(2)Vlad Z.
Excellent! That's all I can say!! This place sets the new standard for Indian restaurants!!! I highly recommend it!!!
(5)K T.
We stopped going to Indian restaurants a couple years ago since there were none in the area worth making a trip for. I was recommended this place by a client and decided to give it a shot. It was brilliant! Not the typical don't care attitude from the serving staff and a welcoming host. The food was Excellent and well balanced food as far as spices was concerned. I would love to see goat on the menu however what's there is done well. Definitely the best place I have eaten Indian food in a while.
(5)Jinsoo L.
I been going pretty regularly here now and the owner recognizes me and my gf every time. its the little things that matter and he hooks her up with free mango lasi every time which is great. Go here. tip well. and enjoy amazing food!
(5)Danni I.
I definitely enjoyed the food here, but what impressed me the most was the service. The waiter cleared the table and rearranged everything before bringing our entrees so that we could see each other and all have plenty of room to eat. He also gave us all fresh dinner plates, which he cleaned and checked before setting down, and wrapped at the table what we couldn't finish, discarding food that had fallen on the tablecloth and inviting us to pack the leftover naan ourselves so that he didn't touch our food. Extremely pleasant experience in addition to the tasty food.
(5)quan d.
We decided to try this place out after reading all the wonderful reviews. Our server Karan was very attentive. The food was exactly what we expected. Well worth the drive. Will definitely come back.
(5)Tiffany L.
By far, the best dining experience I have had. The interior is very nice, classy, and clean. The owner is the nicest man ever! He makes you feel so welcomed. The second time we went there, he recognized us. And every other time we went, he welcomed us back. He personally makes sure that all his guest are enjoying their meals and their dining experience. We've tried about six or seven different dishes- our favorites are chicken tikka marsala and lamb or chicken vindaloo. All dishes were delicious every single time. The mango lassi is very tasty as well. We plan on going to the lunch buffet- which is seven days a week!- so we can try every dish they have! The Best Indian Restaurant I've been to so far! Highly recommended.
(5)Jamila T.
I saw this place after coming out of Jasons Deli that is located a door or two down, and decided that eventually I would come back and check it out. Its right across from the new Wegmans that I have yet to check out lol. My sister came up to visit and wanted some Indian food. This place came to mind since we weren't too far away. We checked out the lunch buffet. We were seated after about a 2 minute wait. The host and waiters were friendly and our waters stayed full. Thanks sir. lol. The lunch is buffet-style, so once you get your table, just hop up and go grab your grub. Most of the reviews have already covered whats in the buffet, so I'll focus on our favorites. My sister's absolute favorite was the tandoori chicken... hands down. Thats all she was focused on lol. The smell was amazing and the taste was on point! It was like she was getting high off of that stuff... sometimes buffets let you lose control lol. I ate everything on my plate too, so I can't talk, but I do want to mention something I had that was new to me. There was a cook at the buffet making a savory pancake on a griddle. Once the pancake was done he filled it with a curried potato and chickpea(maybe) mixture. Then I scooped two on my place and inhaled them both! I think he said they were called Dosas (don't quote me). The food was really good, so no complaints there. I did notice that this buffet didn't have as much to choose from as other Indian buffets that I frequent. And they were missing one of my favorites, which is a curried potato and veggie side dish... of course I don't know the name lol. But I know it when I see it! I would definitely recommend this place. I'LL BE BACK!! (*in my terminator voice*)
(4)Standards H.
Ya I'm a bit of a late bloomer I guess. I've been hearing how great Royal Taj is for quite some time and I finally made it around to going. I like that the ambiance is not quite as strange or cheesy as your average Indian joint. The food will compete with anything in the area. Chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, and garlic naan were all superb. The service is absolutely spectacular! I seriously felt like I was royalty during our visit. Other than the food, the service, and the ambiance, the next best thing about our visit was the bill! $60 for 2 very large entrees, 2 orders of garlic naan, 1 appetizer, and 3 large Taj Mahals (and 2 comped glasses of wine;)) seems like a deal to me since I live in Maryland, a state where you have to pay ungodly amounts for anything and everything! This will definitely be my go to Indian joint.
(5)Jim S.
Went for lunch between classes at the college. The staff was friendly but kept eyeing us as though we were going to rob the place. Every time one of us touched a salt or pepper shaker one of the staff would come closer to the table. The food was arranged in a typical buffet. If you read enough of my reviews you will learn I am not a fan of buffet's. The reason is simple I want good food that tastes good. This was actually pretty good for a buffet; however, some of the flavors were muddled. There were also many dishes that tasted similar but should have been easily distinguishable. The chicken dishes, there were 3 of them that i tried, all seemed very similar. I also love sweet and spicy but they forgot spicy completely. The textures were all soft, there was nothing that went crunch. I am kind of beating them to death but for a buffet it was pretty good. If you are willing to trade quality for quantity then this is your place. Nothing was bad, a few were good, and a couple were eh. That being said, nothing was wooo-hoo either.
(3)Jet L.
Fave Indian restaurant. Addicted to the chicken tikka masala. If I wasn't so addicted, I'd try the lamb vindaloo which is rumored to be off the chain as well. Other tasty items - the mango lassi and veg samosas. We are soooo excited to try the buffet! Also, love the service here.
(5)Catherine W.
Amazing. Food: fantastic. Service: friendly and fast. Atmosphere: classy. One caveat it's gonna be crowd, go early or be prepared to wait.
(5)Mike C.
There are so many things to love about this place: The quality of the food is excellent. You can taste the sophistication and uniqueness of each dish. We've done the buffet, and we've done the dinner service, and both are splendid. Caution, though: If you typically like "medium heat" in your food, you may want to be cautious and order "mild" instead. The service is excellent. The servers seem to hover at a distance, and when you are finishing a soda or have any other need; they quickly recognize the signals and offer their polite service. One gets so used to the mediocre service of other restaurants that you almost want to weep when a restaurant gets it right. The atmosphere is excellent: appropriate for both casual dining with the family but also a romantic dinner. The owner is excellent. He greets you like a best friend, checks on how your meal is going, and thanks you so sincerely that you want to come back the next day. The restaurant has good value. It may be more expensive than a typical family restaurant, but with the complimentary crackers and chutney, and given the quality of the food, you should leave the restaurant "full" and satisfied.
(5)Lia D.
Great buffet. Great service. Can't wait to come back! I've never seen dosas on a lunch buffet....a dream come true. Also: props to the server who gave me pappadams even though that is usually not included at lunch time.
(4)Anna B.
This was my first stab at Indian food in the sense of a "Buffet" to try a medley of items found at any given Indian Restaurant. I don't quite remember the names of the dishes but do know that I loved everything I tried. Also a very reasonably priced. Don't be intimidated but the upscale decor and the 15+ wait staff dressed neatly clad. They have impeccable service and extremely friendly. If you want to try Indian for the first time.. I highly suggest this place so you will find out what you like and know what to order in the future.
(4)Tasm T.
Only problem with this place is that it is both small and popular. Service from host to staff are attentive and they do a good job of moving people in/out and clearing tables. Food is always delicious. I have not had anything from the buffet that was not totally yummy. Food is always fresh.good variety for vegetarians and non-veg. Fresh made dosas. We also order takeout for work lunch meetings and that does not disappoint either. This place deserves its high rating. Enjoyable experience very time. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours. Favorite Indian place in the area- and there are lots to choose from.
(5)Milan R.
The best Indian restaurant in the extended DC metro area.Period ! The owner is tailor cut for the business, the servers are attentive and friendly and the food is very,very good. Skip the buffet, it is not worth the wait nor the elbow wrestling with other patrons. Do visit for the dinner and you wont leave disappointed no matter what you order from the menu. We ordered 2 entrees and an appetizer, and the owner was kind enough to treat us with desserts on the house ! Solid 5 star !
(5)Amy D.
This is our favorite Columbia restaurant. For a basic suburban Indian place they always make us feel like royalty. The general manager is always friendly and welcoming. And always accommodating. The food is delicious! I usually order something different each time, and am always pleased. It is also reasonably priced. I
(5)Steve G.
Went here after work, solo on a Tuesday. A bit busy, fellow who I would assume is the owner from details in the prior reviews tells me it'll be a five minute wait for a table, despite seeing several open tables of suitable size for a solo diner like myself. I'm in no hurry, so whatever. Get seat. Server addresses me as "ma'm". Um, I know I need a haircut, but the greying full beard should give a clue, yo. Second whatever. Brings out Papadums and tasty chutney. yay. I usually go for vindaloo, but decided to try the chicken tikka masala since all the yelpers rave about it. Dinner comes out quickly, YOINK! there goes the papadums. Hey, I wasn't done with those! Dinner is tasty. Midway through dinner, the owner comes up to me and says to me "You are doing an awsome job". What's the heck is that about? So TLDR; tasty food, strange staff. Service wasn't bad, just weird. I'll be back, I can deal with weird.
(4)Marsha E.
wonderful service and food. My favorite
(5)Marissa B.
Very classy dinning experience. The service was very attentive and friendly. I was given a complimentary glass of wine with my dinner- a large glass I might add. The food was also very tasty. I ordered lamb saag at a medium spiciness. My boyfriend ordered the spicy lamb vindaloo. Both were excellent dishes and the spice made you sweat. I would go back to Royal Taj and would recommend it to Indian cuisine fans.
(5)Jason S.
Food was excellent, and entire staff was great. We got there about 5 minutes before the lunch buffet closed, and instead of being annoyed (I would have been :), they were tremendously accommodating and understanding. Great combination of meat and vegetarian dishes, and just the right amount of spiciness across the dishes. Glad this place is so close to our home...we'll be coming back here often!
(5)Vamshi A.
Awsome indian food. Every thing ordered was awsome. They will never disappoint you and the staff is very responsive and friendly.
(5)Dahna S.
I just don't know...I feel strange giving a 3 star review for a place that is so highly regarded, but hey-- it's just my experience. I came for the lunch buffet: $12 or so for all you can eat.. not a bad deal! I was super pumped to start loading up my plate because let's face it, Indian food is delicious. After round 1 I found that nothing reallly REALLY did it for me. There wasn't a single dish that I felt "Holy Na'an, I need to get more of THAT!"... everything was good. Just good. A-OK, if you will. Maybe I left feeling only A-OK because my favorite dish was pretty mediocre- the Chicken Tikka Masala. I mean this dish is my jam, f'real. And while the sauce was really flavorful and the chicken nice and tender, I felt that its creamy game really didn't hit it out of the park. Now true, buffet-style may not be the best way to experience Royal Taj. Don't get me wrong-- I left with an overly-full tummy and feeling like I got my Indian fix, but it was just an A-OK fix to me.
(3)Helal D.
This place is amazing true Indian flavored food. Great friendly stuff owner is very nice can't tell you enough good things about this place please try it for yourself. Try the buffet and compare it to other Indian restaurants this place actually gives you many dishes with meat in the buffet which is very expensive I own restaurants and this place is doing amazing job
(5)Jayme D.
I love this place! I have been there on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. There is usually a 10 to 15 minute wait but it is always worth it. The food is great and the service is excellent!
(5)E A.
I'd say probably a really solid 4.5, but I'm rounding up! I don't remember the buffet being this good the last time I came here, but I'm glad I tried it again, because WOOHOO! Hot dang. By jove I think we've got it! Last time I remember it being good, but not really anything that stood out flavor wise. The staff was great, but the food I thought just wasn't that memorable - it is now. I love me some Indian buffet. I am on a mission to find the best one in whatever area I'm in. As of late, I was getting pretty bummed with the selection in the Baltimore-DC metro area. It was mostly blah flavored food designed to appeal to the masses who I'm guessing they think can't/don't really want to eat REAL tasting Indian food. The last time I had some great Indian buffet was at Bombay Bistro in Fairfax, Va. But since moving to the Eastern Shore that's a bit of a trek. So I have been on a mission looking for a replacement. Right now Royal Taj is leading by a mile. Not to say I won't keep trying other places, but I'm so happy to know I can finally go somewhere where Indian food taste like proper Indian food. It's not super spicy, but it is spiced and very flavorful. Droool...
(5)Deeks K.
This is very good north indian food. We ordered dinner so we have no buffet review here. One of the better tasting, good service restaurants. We went twice and the first time floored us.. the second time though, there was inconsisitency in the quality. It was still not bad, just a tip to keep in mind. One issue is they have a full bar and yet absolutely no "indian recipe cocktails" .. On recommendations, the garlic naan is great.. the biryani is definitely delicious. when asked to spice up, they totally deliver. Chicken tikkas were great and everything tasted fresh.
(3)Jade R.
Nice atmosphere, nice and attentive staff. The restaurant looked very nice, clean, and was at a nice location. Unfortunately, the food was bland. We ate from the buffet, the food wasn't spicy like traditional indian cuisine. The tandoori chicken, for example, tasted like it was just fried with no spices. Chicken tikka masala tasted like it had ketchup/tomato. Lots of sweetness to many of the dishes. We are indian so we are used to indian food with lots of spices and hotness, all the food seemed watered down, maybe catered to the average american. We went there based on the reviews and came back very disappointed.
(2)Dee N.
This place excels in one area that most other indian restaurants lack: service. The owner is super friendly and never forgets a face, even if you don't visit for a few months. the staff never let your water glass reach less than midline. The food is also really good and the portions are plentiful, even if you order carry out. The buffet provides the most value and the options are yummy, but the dinner dishes taste even better.
(4)Chris S.
The best Indian food around. Plus the host is super friendly and bonus--drop dead gorgeous!
(5)Donna Y.
Mutter paneer is delicious and you can customize it to how ever spicy you want :) royal taj beer however tasted like natty light
(4)Cody G.
An amazing dining experience. The atmosphere is great and the staff could not be better. The presumed owner walked around to many tables and offered on the house beverages and desserts and was extremely pleasant. The food was outstanding, I couldn't have had a better experience.
(5)Kay J.
I must say I'm pretty impressed with the customer service at this place. The main guy, assuming he's the owner, is extremely friendly and helpful...he's always on the floor making ppl feel welcome! I had ordered some take out from here and the dinner came without rice. I called to confirm and just let them know, not really expecting much, and the main guy went above and beyond in resolving the issue; working in customer service myself I was thoroughly impressed! I gave 4 out of 5 stars because the food is good but its not great. I've had better Indian but never a better.experience than when I come here so it sort of balances out! The buffet is definitely the way to go and I would certainly recommend giving this place a try!!
(4)Karen B.
**The BEST Indian Food** They have a great lunch buffet that has a separate area for tandoori and other special items that you don't normally see on a buffet (pakora and little wrapped up potato-cake type things that are awesome). They can be VERY crowded during lunch during the week and on the weekends but that is because of their excellent food. They have the standard chicken tikka masala and saag paneer as well as at least 3 to 4 other items. You also get chai and two dessert offerings at the buffet table so you really don't need to order anything to drink, which is nice. The service is also great.
(5)Lisa M.
Everything I have ever gotten here is very very good. You have to get here early if you don't want a wait. The owner is very friendly. New Years eve we went here and everyone at the table that didn't order wine got a free glass on the house. He even offers customers that are waiting for their to go order free drinks.
(5)Blake S.
The prices are a little steep, and if you don't have a reservation at night, you could be left waiting a very long time. Having said that, this is absolutely the best Indian food I've ever had. The Keema Mutter was outstanding. I went with a group of friends, and thankfully we had a reservation. We were seated within 10 minutes or so of arriving. I can't say the same for the hoards of people clogging up the entrance to the restaurant. They must have waited upwards of an hour. Service was also fantastic. The gregarious owner/manager was very nice, as were all the front of house staff. I accidentally left my new iPhone on the table after paying the bill. The staff quickly found it and secured it for me. When I returned they refused any sort of tip for doing so. I'm very grateful for their honesty and helpfulness. Don't let the strip mall setting deter you. This might be the best Indian restaurant in Maryland.
(5)Rebecca A.
Pros: Everything! Cons: None My husband and I went late at night with a three year old and two year old. We spent all day moving but we were craving Indian. I expected to find a hole in the wall with standard diner furniture and matching decor. Whoa, I was blown away! This place is beautiful. I almost had a panic attack. This is a romantic date night restaurant, not a place for picky children. I expected the servers to groan at having small messy children in their restaurant, but rather they treated my children like celebrities. They fawned and complimented them all evening and at the end of the night they gave them free dessert. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place :) Worth every penny.
(5)Rob N.
Reasons I like Royal Taj better than 90% of the Indian restaurants out there: 1) Good service. I mean, really good service. Not just efficient, but friendly and attentive. The management and staff here both want you to leave their restaurant happy, and it shows. 2) It avoids the list of Indian restaurant cliches. No tabla drums, sitar twangery, or faded murals of the Mughal Raj. The decor's interestingly different. But it feels kinda cozy right now. 3) Really good food. My reference dish for trying Indian restaurants is usually lamb biryani, and Royal Taj's is good - nicely seasoned, tender rice, with a good mix of ingredients. Lamb saag was also well put together and tasty. We had some fish pakora as a starter - mildly spiced, fried, firm white fish - which we enjoyed as well. If I want super-authentic southern Indian, I go to Spicy Garden. If I want the missus to eat dinner with me, Royal Taj is up there on the top of the list. Akbar, watch out.
(4)Lindsey S.
Great food, amazing service! Had a long wait for a table but it was well worth it. The host was so nice! Food was fantastic. Ordered the chicken mango curry and something with cheese and peas...highly recommend. Not too spicy.
(5)ryan k.
Where to begin? I visited India Delight one day last week while in Baltimore and I think it may have set a new standard for Indian buffets that I eat at from now on. First off i don't think I've ever seen such a variety of food. The choices were almost limitless. Sure some Indian buffets will have MORE dishes to choose from as India Delight is relatively small. However, they don't have the range of cuisine you'll find here. The green pepper and potato curry was my favorite, followed closely by the chicken tikka masala and the channa masala. They had ras malai and indian tea for dessert which I found to be outstanding. There was a rather obnoxious broad in there with what looked like her office crew who was complaining incessantly about how disgusting the tea smelled and how theres no way she could take another sip without vomiting. I made it a point to be rather vocal about how the Indian tea was among the best I had ever tasted and they used a perfect amount of spices in it. She was just ignorant about Indian cuisine and she told her coworkers that she hopes SHE gets to pick where they eat next time. Her Indian coworker seemed disturbed. I hope she got diarrhea. =) Another point I'd like to make about the food here is that it was rather light tasting. Sometimes you get Indian food thats really weighed down with butters and heavy cream. Even the creamy chicken tikka masala was really light and fresh tasting. More tomatoey then heavy creamy. It was superb. Next time I'm visiting Baltimore I am absolutely going to go back to India Delight for the buffet. They also have some dinner menu items I have never seen anywhere else that I would be interested in trying. Lobster vindaloo, seriously how good does that sound? How about tandoori lobster? I can't wait.
(4)Rick K.
There are several good Indian restaurants in the area, but this is another one we're adding to our list of regular places to visit, especially for the lunch buffet. We've visited several times, first when it was India Delight and now as Royal Taj, and there's always good variety on the buffet. An added bonus is the freshly made mini masala dosas. The table settings and decor are nice enough for a more formal occasion yet we've felt equallly comfortable with kids and wearing shorts.
(4)Courtney L.
Wow! This is my new favorite Indian Restaurant. There lunch buffet is out of this world! The naan, chicken tandoori, chicken tikka masala, and palak paneer are the best I've had. They also have other unique items on the buffet that I haven't seen elsewhere. This place is definitely worth checking out.
(5)Dave Z.
I'll definitely be adding this new place to my lunchtime Indian buffet rotation. They have a great selection of the usual items on the buffet, as well as a few things not found on others. The food is well prepared and decidedly less greasy than some other places. The mint chutney is amazing, as were the fried vegetable balls (not sure what these are called), possibly being my favorite item on the buffet. A really nice addition is hot Chai tea available from the buffet, which I haven't seen elsewhere. My only possible complaint is that the food lacked some of the spice or spiciness that I would have liked more of (though those who don't appreciate the spicier foods may like this).
(4)Tony M.
And in conclusion...... Food and service were both excellent. The manager gave me a firm handshake when we entered, came over to see how we were doing, and poured some wine on the house. This goes a long way now in the days of the faceless business.
(5)Diva C.
Food is great, service is great, but what's best is the owner. He is so friendly, makes everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. Only down-side is plates and utensils come out not fully cleaned and the restaurant space is small. I hope they expand to a larger space and get a better dishwasher lol. Must have meals are the Chicken\Shrimp\Salmon Tikki Masala and the naan. Best in Howard County!
(4)Devon B.
As soon as I walked in, I was in awe of how the servers were all dressed so well. The service was absolutely excellent, and I felt like I was treated so well! The food was absolutely amazing! The chicken tikka masala was a 10/10! The servers were offering wine on the house as well as other things but I was very content with my dish. I will definitely be coming back!!
(5)Jim H.
The water is great here! Seriously--The wait staff are on the scene with those water pitchers like a condor after a dead rabbit! OK, not most appealing analogies, but....duly noted as one of the thumbs up I like about this place!! This is a nice, lower mid-scale fancy Indian restaurant in one of the many Columbia MD mega strip malls. We've eaten here a total of twice for the buffets and have been impressed by the food. I counted a total of 4 chicken dishes and one fish, along with the various other staples, like paneer, and vegetable curries. So, if you aren't a big chicken eater (which I'm not, particularly), then steer clear of the weekend buffets. But even a vegetarian could get a very decent meal. I was impressed by the wait staff wiping off the water stains from the cutlery! Tell me, where's the last place that you've seen them do that?! The owner or maître d' was warm from the moment he opened the door to greet us to the end when he asked about our experience and offered us a complimentary cup of chai. The price for the buffet was on par with other similar Indian restaurants in the area.
(5)Shiv N.
The food is pretty good. A couple of friends and I went for the weekend buffet. They had the regular chicken tikka and biryani, but what I was really happy about was that they also had South Indian fare such as dosa, the coconut chutney and sambhar. The coconut chutney was really good! The rest of the food was delicious as well. The place was jam packed when we got there and it took us nearly 20 minutes to get a table. But the best part about this place is the service. The general manager was walking around and making sure that everybody was okay. He was so accommodating and so nice. That always adds to your experience at a restaurant! Two thumbs up for the service!
(4)Angela L.
Best Indian food in the area. I always Indian buffet all taste the same, Royal Taj proves me wrong. I tried every dish and love most of them. The Chai Tea is also great. I'll return with friends for sure.
(5)Monica S.
Food and service is always great!!! Love the owner!!! He is a great guy!! I love when I ask for the food to be desi hot, they make it that way!!
(5)Teri H.
I would give this 4.5 stars if I could, visited last night with some friends and I have to say all the staff was extremely nice and polite. My water never even reached half empty. We ordered the Vegetable Pakora, Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutter Paneer, with Garlic and Paneer Naan. Appetizers: They give you these very big, thin chips with 3 sauces to dip for free Green sauce = spicy mint sauce Red sauce with chunks = spice with onions Brown liquid = tastes like a sweet BBQish type of sauce *Not sure exactly what they are but all were pretty good, my favorite one was the one with onions in it Vegetable Pakora = veggies deep fried in chickpea flour. Good had an assortment of veggies but nothing that would blow my socks off. Entrees: Chicken Tikka Masala = I am used to the chicken tikka being a little more creamier and this one was def a lot more tomato-y. Spice was good and chicken was moist. *Note - I usually order my indian food from Himilayan house and have to say I prefer the chicken tikka Mutter Paneer - Big hunks of paneer and the green peas were bright green meaning they were pretty fresh which I liked. Spice and sauce were delicious! Naan - very fresh and tasty So all in all solid Indian place...they don't overuse oil which sometimes Indian places do. We were offered a complimentary glass of wine with our dinner from the manager and also they gave us free dessert! This place definitely wants to keep their customers happy and you can tell they take great pride in their establishment. I will definitely come back and recommend others to try it out!! I would really like to partake in the lunch buffet sometime.
(4)Alex K.
I always have a great time when I come here. I usually come for the lunch buffet, but this time was for dinner. I had the chicken tikka masala and it was delicious. The host was very accommodating, and was able to provide top notch service. Definitely worth a shot.
(5)Mike A.
Flavors are just not there. The restaurant has been infused with too much white cloth table principles and the actual Indian authenticity of flavors and backgrounds have been over looked. If you have not have real Indian food, you would think this is THE place otherwise you'll know it's not that
(2)Mark A.
A friend of mine and I came here for lunch. They had their buffet so we decided to try it out. Service here was just amazing, the host and servers were polite, helpful and very attentive. Prices were reasonable as well. I had their chicken tikka masala, chicken tikka and the pancake with potatoes. I really enjoyed the meal. I'd recommend this place if you're craving indian cuisine in the Columba/Elkridge/Ellicott City area.
(5)Ericka G.
I'm here again. I can't stay away from the delicious food, the best Indian lunch Buffett, the excellent service and the handsome waitstaff... Don't judge!
(5)Natalie S.
It was our first time at this restaurant. The wait was decent. Once we got our table, the service was amazing. They are always checking on you and they are very polite, they make sure you feel comfortable. The food was delicious and the prices very reasonable. We will return soon for sure.
(5)Jason F.
Solid Indian place. Ordered carry out on a Friday night. When I went to pick it up, people were jammed in the waiting area. Good sign. When I came to the host stand and informed the owner/host I was here for pickup he directed me to the bar. The owner/host is very very friendly....he acts like he's known you for years. Anyway, entrees were delicious and they give you enough rice to choke on. Liked the chicken tikka masala the best over some of the curries I sampled. What they give in rice, they skimp on chutney sauce and if you are like me, you enjoy plenty of it. Double check your bag before you leave because they (we) almost forgot the mango lassi. If you do pick up, make sure you call 30+ mins in advance on a busy night. Definitely want to hit up the buffet at some point.
(4)Garvin C.
I've been coming here on and off for several years, and the quality of the food has not gone down at all. It might even getting better. This place is really packed for lunch, so be prepared to wait. I can't say anything bad about the lunch buffet or service. 5 stars!
(5)Spencer B.
One of the best Indian buffets I've ever had. Everything I tried was great. Wish I could have tried some more but I was stuffed! I'll definitely go back again
(5)Amy B.
You really get the royal treatment when you dine at Royal Taj. The manager is very welcoming and he remembers his guests which makes you feel special. I was offered a complimentary glass of wine- maybe he does this for all his guests? I like to think it's just me ;) The staff are very nice and aim to please. The water cups are consistently filled to the brim. Best of all- the food is excellent. I love the chicken tikka masala. I haven't been during the lunch buffet in a long time, but I remember it was very good!
(5)Sara A.
I haven't had good Indian food in a LONG time. So when I passed The Royal Taj while out running errands I figured I would check the place out and happened to be there during the lunch buffet! The staff are beyond friendly and attentive, my water glass was never more than half empty and I had all the masala chai I could hope for (and that chai is delicious!), and we're kind enough to point out which dishes were vegetarian for me. The restaurant is beautiful decorated, the food was amazing and it was a very reasonable price for a buffet (just under $12.50 after tax). It was definitely busy but they managed to seat me shortly after I arrived. Will definitely be back!
(5)Tosin P.
I decided to come here for a birthday dinner with high hopes because of the reviews and I am pleased to say not only were my expectations met but they were EXCEEDED!!!! Upon entering, we were greeted by the host with such warmth and kindness. Even though the restaurant was incredibly crowded (probably because the food is UH-MAZING), they attended to us as though we were the only ones in the room. My entire party did not show up on time for our reservation but they were still incredibly accommodating. To top it ALL off, they gave me a wine bottle as a gift for my birthday!!! Unheard of!! And it just so happen to be my favorite type of wine. I was BEYOND impressed, do yourself a favor and come here. I will most definitely be coming back!!!
(5)Kalila W.
4 stars for now because i only got the lunch buffet to go. All the food was flavorful and had a nice heat level. It wasn't crowded at 2pm on a Thursday but there were a fair number of patrons and so many waitstaff - i think there were more waiters than customers lol! And everybody was ready and willing to help. For the 5 minutes i was there, 3 different people checked on me/ brought me a box /asked if i wanted a drink to go. It was great.I didn't know that getting two carry out boxes meant you were getting "two" buffets (i just wasn't trying to mix all the food). But since it was my first time there and i wasn't aware, they just let me know the policy (politely) and charged me for one. If I can remember correctly, i had the chicken tikka masala (super yum), the saag paneer (pretty yum), paneer mullet (new for me, but good), dahl makhani..or chana dahl (very good), basmati rice, and the tandoori chicken (moist, flavorful, very good). They had a nice variety for their buffet. I will definitely be back!!
(4)Subin H.
Probably the best Indian food experience I have ever had! Everything from the service to the food was phenomenal. My water glass was never below half full and they brought out complimentary tea and some kind of dessert thing. Not sure what it was but it was delicious. The food was to die for. Bursting with flavor and perfectly seasoned. I would go back every day if I lived here!
(5)Ayed A.
Excellent service but the lunch buffet was not what i expected but still not bad at all!
(4)Natasha M.
My family and I went out to Royal Taj tonight on a whim. My dad loves Indian food but tends to be pretty picky about his Indian food. This was my first time here as every other time I've tried to come the wait has been a little too long. We had to wait about 20 minutes this evening but our dinner was worth every second we waited. The food was incredibly delicious and staff was so unbelievably friendly. The staff was especially good with my five year old niece. They threw in her Mango Lassi for free, which she finished to the last drop. I had the Alu Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower dish), which was spicy (I ordered it to be) and the perfect portion. I had a Cusumano Syrah which was great. My father ordered the Lamb Saag and he said it was better than his usual Indian food restaurant. I feel like I can't stress enough how incredible the staff and service was and the food definitely matched the service. I would recommend this restaurant. I would also recommend making a reservation if you can!
(5)Alex H.
One word to describe this restaurant is...PHENOMENAL! There is no other way to put it. Food is just amazing! I had the Lamb Vindaloo and man my body was jumping. The prices on the menu are such a great deal for these amazing dishes. This place is by far the best Indian restaurant I have stepped foot in. Customer service is very professional and high class. They really make you feel like they are there just for you! The owner is a great man as well, he walks around the restaurant and makes sure everybody is having a great dining experience. Do not miss your chance and dine here!
(5)Melissa V.
Fabulous buffet! Great wait staff, very attentive! Love to eat here. I particularly like the fact that my daughter, who has Celiac disease, is able to eat here with no problems.
(5)Erika P.
Get ready to be spoiled! We went on a double date with another couple and boy did we have a pleasant experience. Our server as well as the front of the house were attentive through out our entire meal. They were personable and were committed to our experience being pleasurable. We were even offered free naan as well as chai tea on the house! The food is also UH-MAZING, we will definitely be visiting again!
(5)Pooja T.
I don't know anyone who wouldn't give this place 5 stars! I would give it 10 if I could! Like everything--from service, to atmosphere, to food, to prices-all so perfect! First, lets talk service. The service here is literally impeccable! Spotless, right on. Servers are always at your side and eager to help with a smile on. You rarely ever finish a drink and have to wait. Food is served on a fair time. Atmosphere is clean and nice. Now a whole paragraph on the actual owner, Binder, (sorry if I got the spelling wrong). He deserves it. He always remembers his customers, always cokes by and personally asks and gets to know you, asks how your experience was, sometimes gives you a free item just because he's that awesome and sweet! Such a great host!! The food... SOOO good!!! I'm Indian and so I can get pretty picky about my Indian food, and this restaurant by far has exceeded my expectations! Like literally mouthwatering delicious! The lunch buffet is always solid!! I have recommended this place to numerous people--from other Indians to Asians to blacks to whites! And I haven't heard ANYONE who hadn't had the same viewpoint as me! This place is literally so so good! You will NOT be disappointed! Saying that... Everyone here knows how amazing this place is so there usually are lines. But it is SO worth it, wait it out. Pretty much the best Indian restaurant in all of Baltimore area!
(5)Chelsea C.
Went on a Saturday for the lunch buffet. The restaurant was packed but didn't effect the food or service. Every time my water glass got to the halfway point a server was there to refill it. The food was delicious, especially the chai tea that's included in the buffet. As we left the restaurant, the host remembered our name and shook our hands. Best service I've ever had!
(5)Todd V.
Excellent food and hospitality, everything we ate was great no misses. The host is acts like you are a regular even though you have never been there before. You are likely to be treated to a free drink and desert. They are going to be moving locations soon but until then reservations are highly encouraged.
(4)Christina H.
The food here is absolutely lovely. I never understood what people meant by a "lingering heat" when speaking about food until my friend and I came here for dinner one night. The place is fairly small and was packed but the service was great. The food was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend getting the chicken tikka masala - it's the best I've had since coming back stateside. Absolutely amazing.
(5)Yim K.
It's never a let down at this dining establishment. The food is amazing as usual and the service is impeccable. The wait staff is very attentive. This place always has a line for dinner and lunch, and for a reason.
(5)Robert G.
AMAZING! There is nothing else I can say.... I came here with my wife for a late lunch/early dinner and was knocked off my feet. Everything was prepared to the absolute highest standard. Must try the skewer appetizer!!! They are to die for!! Chicken Tikka Masala is also a MUST!!! If you want great Indian food look no further! Nothing else compares!!
(5)Melissa C.
Best Indian food in Maryland. Hands down. The Palak paneer is amazing. So is the Chicken Biryani, and the Chicken Tikka Masala. Aboslutely fabulous.
(5)HowChow B.
Royal Taj is my favorite kind of restaurant -- one with ambition. It also competes with some of my favorite restaurants -- the Indian restaurants like House of India and Mango Grove. The news is that Royal Taj competes well. Indian cuisine in Columbia is so good that the McGaw Road restaurant seemed almost extra when it opened as "India Delight" two years ago. They changed the name, and they have consistently upped the experience. Over recent months, people kept mentioning Royal Taj -- its lunch buffet, its ambiance. That's how I pulled my wife past her favorite House of India and into Royal Taj. I had eaten there twice for the lunch buffet where they fill two tables with dishes and offer specialities like hand-cooked dosas. For dinner, the lights go down, and the table cloths and service make this one classy level up from most casual restaurants. The food is a level up as well. They start you with chickpea flour crisps called papadum, and the gratis starter set the bar high immediately. The three chutneys to eat with the papadum were bright and fresh. One with cilantro, one with tamarind. We went straight with our test meal: chicken korma and the eggplan dish called baingan bharta. We can eat them happily at House of India, so Royal Taj had to be something special. It is. The chicken curry came creamy with flavors of tomato and meat, and the eggplant was smokey and better than baingan bharta that I have had before. The smokiness was a deeper, surprising flavor , and the dish comes chunky. Often, it's just a puree. Royal Taj added texture with eggplant chunks and onion done perfectly where it's crisp, but cooked through. Scoop this up with the warm naan, and you'll make even meat-lovers happy with a vegetarian entree. I still love House of India, and I can't wait for Mango Grove to open its new space for vegetarian items and the dosas. They're still two of the best kitchens around Howard County. But Royal Taj -- along with other Indian places like Flavors of India and Akbar in Coumbia and Tandoor Grill on Johns Hopkins Road -- makes this one of the deepest cuisines around. (And that's before the folks behind The Ambassador Dining Room open their new Maple Lawn location in Fulton.)
(4)John Y.
I don't normally eat Indian (OK I lied, I never eat Indian), but a hangout with friends led me to this delicious gem. $13-$15 for the lunch buffet was quite a steal. The restaurant is a little peculiar in the way that it is set up: the seating layout for the restaurant is more like a random cluster of tables pushed into a lease space, but who cares! It's the food we come for and sadly I my taste buds may have been spoiled by the perfection of the food at Royal Taj. Chicken Marsala? Give me more please! My only advice for people dining here: get here early! If you're coming in after 12:00PM for the lunch buffet, you will probably see a line that extends out the door (and rightly so).
(5)Nilo R.
Stopped for lunch with a co-worker during the week. The lunch buffet is excellent. The service is very good. I was impressed with the variety of dishes and flavors. I was also very happy with the quality of the food. The chicken is very tender and high quality. The chick peas and spinach are amazing. They had good chai tea on the buffet line included, which was a surprise and actually pretty good. The deserts are also very good (rice pudding and a hot carrot desert). They also have buffet for lunch during the weekend, so I will be returning with my family. Highly recommended.
(5)DivZ G.
This review has been so delayed. I have been to royal taj numerous times! I should say, this indian place is by far the most consistent rest for its taste, price and hospitality! Being an Indian, I loved the food here, the buffet on afternoons is the best deal to eat all you can for a perfect price. But if you want to visit, you should go around 12 or a bit before that because its very very crowded during lunch time..feels like entire Columbia is eating here... I took all my american friends to this place and they absolutely love it..since its not spicy food but tastyy food.. The one thing that can be changed is the standard buffet menu..they should change some of the items..every two days or so.. The hospitality of the owner is really appreciable. Overall..its one, maybe the only one good restaurant around Columbia Mall, MD. Ambience- pretty good! Food - Good! Pricing - Good for buffet!
(3)Stephen M.
My wife and I just enjoyed another great meal at Royal Taj. The flavors are so delicate and savory that it is hard to put down the fork. The staff are friendly and provide good service. I often have the lunch buffet which is the best deal in town. Dinner was a worthy dining experience too. We will continue to come often. If you are looking for a recommendation try the Tikka Masla.
(5)Vishal S.
I agree with all other Yelpers that this is probably the BEST Indian restaurant in the DC - Baltimore area. We ended up here to celebrate a friend's birthday who lives in Laurel MD after hearing good things from other friends. First thing to note - name is now Royal Taj and website is royaltajmd.com Staff is VERY friendly and courteous. Decor is very nice too - not your usual average looking Indian restaurant. Don't get fooled by its location in a strip mall - its upscale experience at very pleasing costs! For appetizers we had Kabob Platter and Fish Pakoras. Kabob platter was served on a sizzling plate and was yummy - all kabobs had a distinctly different marinade (not like other run-of-the-mill kabob places). Fish pakoras were tender and fresh tasting. Main course: Chicken Tikka Masala - 4/ 5 stars Fish Curry - 4.5/5 stars - yummy tilapia chunks cooked just right in curry! Lamb Methi - 4/5 stars - soft and tender lamb! Dessert - Gulab Jamun - 5/5 stars - not too sweet - just right :) A hike from DC but totally worth the effort!
(5)Teddy E.
Although it was a little bit expensive, the lunch buffet here is absolutely superb. Contrary to most Indian buffet experiences, this one was neither too salty nor super greasy. On the day I went (weekend), there were over 10 options and a made to order dosa station. There were 3 chicken dishes and a fish dish among the choices. Servers were very attentive and refilled water glasses often. My only complaint is that the host was quite smarmy.
(5)Sara M.
Outstanding. The host alone gets this place 5 stars, he was so kind and interested in us and making sure we had the best service. The food is better than 90% of the Indian food I've had in NYC. And rivals the best places in Jersey. Just terrific. Check it out.
(5)Ashwini A.
This is an excellent Indian restaurant! I went for the lunch buffet and it had a variety of dishes and they tasted very authentic. The staff is very attentive, courteous, and friendly. They had a Masala Dosa stand which was amazing, and I might have to go back for some of the Masala Chai! A great experience and will be coming back and bringing more friends along to enjoy!
(5)Elizabeth R.
From the moment you enter the restaurant you will feel welcomed. The aromas when you enter start the mouth watering. The decor is bright with white table clothes and gold-framed artwork. The meat on the buffet is all chicken, there is usually one Seafood curry and the rest are vegetarian. Don't let that stop you. The food is so good I would probably eat here if there were no meat on the buffet. The regulars on the buffet are salad, basmati rice, a soup, Alu Tiki (potato patties dipped in spicy chick pea batter) Vegetable Pakora (Indian tempura), a crepe filled with a curry potato mixture (I forgot the name) made continuously on the line, a chicken dish with sauteed peppers and onions, Chicken Masala, Naan (bread) and Tandori chicken. There is usually a fish curry. The other dishes rotate. I have eaten the eggplant, spinach with paneer, cauliflower and potatoes, and channa. There is always warm chi tea and Gulab Jamun (deep fried cottage cheese balls dipped in honey) for dessert if you have room. The service is friendly and the staff will never let a water glass get more than 2 sips down. They remove plates promptly and keep that water filled to the top. The manager stops at each table and greets those who have been there before (he has an incredible memory) or welcomes those visiting for the first time. We have only eaten from the buffet so I cannot comment on the regular menu items. Although, if the buffet is this delicious then the rest of the menu must be heaven. The buffet is only served at lunch, Mon-Fri $11.95, 11:30 am-2:30 pm and Sun $12.95, 11:30 am -3:00 pm. They close between lunch and dinner, which starts at 5 pm, each day.
(5)Chintan D.
Awesome taste. Great atmosphere and setting. The food is really amazing. Especially when there are hundreds of Indian restaurants around, it's hard to stand out. The only disappointing part is that the price a bit high. The amount of curry for $15 is really low. And the waiter was almost emotionless. But I would still come back. Food is really amazing.
(4)Ned F.
We ordered carryout and it was awesome. I don't think it would be good for us with a toddler to dine-in; he'd be too loud. The atmosphere was really nice and the folks inside were personable. The food was amazing. That's all I need to say.
(5)Fred J.
Excellent! Great food, great service. We had the tandoori chicken, the chicken tika masala, and the karahi shrimp. All were excellent.
(5)David K.
Every time I come here I leave happy. Great food with great service and the owner is on top of everything. Last night I was offered a free drink while I waited a few minutes for my take out order. I just love this place.
(5)Cesar P.
My wife found this place on Yelp, and was intrigued by all the good reviews. Boy are they all true. We went on a Saturday night after a movie at the Egyptian at Arundel Mills, and got there at about 8 pm, with no reservation. The place was really busy, and we had to wait, which wasn't a big deal, but apparently they didn't have a host to let people know how long the wait was. A titch off-putting, but all the staff was running around taking care of things, cleaning off tables so I couldn't complain too much. We finally had someone come by (one of the owners it turned out) who apologized and had us seated. We could tell by his demeanor and the attitudes of the other staff that we were going to be catered to excellent service. We were fussed over (in a nice way) like we were family. The ambiance is unlike anything we've seen at many Indian restaurants. It was elegant without being ostentatious and very romantic. The soft electric blue light hidden in a recess in the ceiling really gives the place character, nothing like you'd see at most Indian places. Now on to the food... Best Indian food I've had, and I've lived with Indians who can get spices and other materials direct from India who can really cook. Very authentic, nicely spiced, excellent flavors. We both had the Chicken Tikka Masala, my favorite, which was incredible. Flavorful, not too tomatoey, generous portions of well-cooked chicken, just faboo. We also had the vegetarian samosas and chicken kabobs (the latter recommended by our server) appetizers which were an excellent way to start our meal, and mango lassis that were perfectly done. The owner came and offered my wife a complementary glass of wine and we ended up ordering a rice pudding to go that was also comped (my thought: the owner felt bad that we had to wait without anyone saying anything to us, so he really treated us well to make up. Quite frankly the food and service more than made up for it.) We will be coming to this place more often, as now all other Indian places pale in comparison to Royal Taj. A must experience.
(5)Nhu P.
Went with my coworkers for the lunch buffet and was really surprised at how good everything was! Best indian buffet I've ever been to! Food was fresh and delicious! Really hoping to go here with my husband soon!
(5)Yini W.
Best Indian restaurant in town!!! The owner/manager and all his staff are super nice! Delicious food+complimentary dessert/wine=a must go place!
(5)Jeff C.
This review may be a bit short for me, but with 205 reviews, what can I say that hasn't already been said? The staff was exceptionally nice and friendly, making for the most pleasant dining-out experience I've had in a while. They really went above and beyond expressing concern for the wait (the place was packed at 8 on a Saturday night), even going so far as to offer a complimentary beverage while I waited for a table. The food was delicious - if you've never tried shahi paneer, I highly recommend it: scrumptious cubes of cheese in a sauce very similar to chicken tikka masala; what's not to like? This wasn't my first time going to Royal Taj, and after the fantastic service combined with the delicious food, it won't be the last.
(5)Sally P.
I am Indian and I had a taste today to eat good Indian food, so I did a search looking for the best Indian food in Maryland. My search led me to check out the reviews for Royal Taj, which had mostly 5 stars, and as a result of the great reviews I decided to have lunch there. My family and I got to the restaurant at around 12:45 and there was a line to get a table for 5. The guy that greeted us was so friendly and reassured us that we would be seated soon. Because of how kind he was we really didn't mind waiting, which was really not long at all. Let me tell you...the wait was worth it. The lunch buffet had an assortment of choices. Being vegetarian I was in heaven. There were just as many veggie choices as meat ones, including a fish curry. Every dish I tried was extremely flavorful. They even had a section where a really nice man makes masala dosas for you. It's been just a few hours since I've eaten there and I am already craving the food. Now I wish I had eaten more. After we ate the kind man that greeted us gave us a drink on the house. He was very personable and even showed us a picture of his dog. This is by far my new number one Indian restaurant.
(5)Jill J.
Fantastic! Nice ambiance, great attentive service, friendly management, and the best Indian food in Columbia. There I said it. I gotta give love to the other establishments out in the HoCo, but Royal Taj has the freshest, tastiest food by far. Even the lunch buffet food does not have that "made-last-night" vibe that many area Indian restaurants suffer from. Make a reservation to make sure you can get a table on Friday and Saturday nights.
(5)Rhonda S.
I saw this restaurant previously but never thought I would go there. My husband suggested we go one friday night based on the wonderful yelp reviews and I am glad that we did. We arrived at 8 pm and the place was packed with a line out the door. A man who I think was the manager came over to the door, warmly greeted us and told us we would have about a 20 minute wait. He continued to make friendly conversation with each guest waiting which is part of the great service here. The restaurant does have a dimly lit, intimate, yet romantic setting. Once seated there was already a glass of water awaiting and they bring you some sort of tortilla like breaded chips with 3 sauces that range from sweet to hot. I cant pronounce the name but it was really good. I ordered chicken tikka and my husband ordered lamb both of which were amazing and came out sizzling hot. Both entrees come with rice and we added tandoori naan which is made and grilled fresh there, so yummy! The owner then came over again and apologized for the 20 minute wait and offered a complimentary glass of wine! Again, 5 star service. I didnt even wait that long but he insisted I have something, wine or dessert and I chose wine. The waiters are friendly, the food great, and ambience wonderful. I will defintely be back as this place is defintely a gem in Columbia.
(5)Cel M.
This is a great restaurant but before I say nice things about it, I would just like to warn customers to review their bill before paying. When we got our bill, it was not added up correctly. We pointed it out to them and they fixed it right away. Unfortunately, there was no apology so it seems not right. Just be careful before you pay your bill, make sure the overall total is correct. Now, for the food, it is very delicious! We had the vindaloo and the meat is very tender and the taste is outstanding though really spicy hot. Service was excellent from beginning to end. Everyone was pleasant and friendly. We would have rated this restaurant 4 or 5 stars, however, the mistake on the bill is a little doubtful.
(3)Frank G.
As Stephen Colbert might ask: "Great Indian restaurant... or *greatest* Indian restaurant?" Royal Taj is easily the best Indian I've had in the DC/Baltimore area, and is as good -- or possibly even better -- than the Indian restaurants I've been to in the UK. The dishes are exquisitely prepared with an incredible depth of flavor. Lamb remains tender, and chicken is always juicy. There is never a drop of excess oil in the food, a problem that seems to afflict many Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants around here. The service is the best. The waiters are Johnny-on-the-spot with drink refills, and cheerfully answer any questions about the dishes. The manager usually checks with you at least once during your meal to make sure everything is meeting your expectations. The a la carte dinner is a little pricey for the area, but completely worth it. If you are balking a bit at the cost, go for the lunch buffet -- which is even available on weekends! One try and you'll be hooked.
(5)Luz L.
Awesome! really good Indian Food. I had the Chicken Tikka Masala and it was bomb. Fresh taste and really good customer service. We got seated by a really charming hosts who later offered complimentary wine since we were from the west coast. Decently priced and attentive workers.
(5)Lucy X.
The atmosphere feels really dining-esque, sort of fancy in a traditional kind of way? Though not necessarily my cup o' tea. The waiters are extremely attentive and quite friendly. The food is good, and the selection is okay. I was disappointed they didn't serve lamb for the lunch buffet because "it's too expensive to serve for buffet". My favorite stand out dish was their sweet dessert soupy thing? Although this place seems to be popular among people in the area, and it is a good indian buffet, just not one of the bests that I've tried.
(4)Mimi J.
To keep this short and sweet...I got the Chicken Tika Masala for takeout and it was all of that and a bag of chips!!...In other words...Excellent!! I can't wait to try some of their other dishes.
(5)William G.
Probably my favorite of all the Indian lunch buffets in Columbia. The staff is super friends, the place is clean, and the food is excellent. If in Columbia this is the spot to go.
(4)Allen B.
I will give this my official review of a Chitty Chitty BANG BANG. Hands down best Indian food I've ever had and I will definitely return. Owned and operated by 2 brothers and their father straight off the boat Indys. Service is top notch. Dirt cheap for what this place could charge.
(5)Terri G.
Ugh!!! I hesitate to write a review because this place is only going to get more crowded. What can I do? I have to write a review because this place is perfect and it would be a crime not to share this gem! It is hands down the BEST Indian food in Maryland. I have never been disappointed. The food is fresh, flavorful, spicy, and simply delectable. Thanks to the owner's attentiveness and high standards the staff are wonderful. They make you feel like royalty even when you're just an average joe. The buffet served on weekdays and weekends is phenomenal. Its a great way to experience many dishes at once and go back for more! I crave this place and savor each and every bite!
(5)Krystal W.
Unbelievably good Saturday buffet and very inexpensive.
(5)Helen C.
Love love love everything about this place! My husband goes here regularly for his lunch break. staff is Always friendly and offer great service! I bring my two little kids and meet my husband here for lunch whenever I can and all the staff is so warm to the whole family even playfully interacting with the kids. The food is always fresh, flavorful and delicious. Decor is nice and clean! Haven't found an Indian restaurant we enjoy more than royal taj. Wish I could bathe in their chai tea it's so yummy.
(5)Hugh V.
This is the best restaurant my wife and I have found in the Washington area so far. The food is great and the staff warmly welcoming. The manager knows how to take care of his customers to make them feel special, even when there is a problem with a reservation, which happened to us one time.
(5)Brian B.
Great dinner last night ! Highly recommend the chicken tikka masala and the vindaloo. Place was packed, but we had a reservation on a Saturday night and were seated right away.
(5)Eunice K.
lunch buffet was okay. not as good as i expected but still liked it. love dipping naan with everything! service was amazing! oh and i felt a lil underdressed cus its so nice inside..
(4)Nick B.
This is the best Indian place in the area. I come here at leat once a week for the lunch buffet and i have never been disappointed. The chicken tika marsala is always on point and the tandoori chicken rocks. How can you beat $12.00 for a great Indian lunch buffet. Also the owner is always there and greats every guest as if they are family.
(5)Lauren M.
The lunch buffet was amazing. We were expecting lower quality food just due to the stereotype of a buffet, but it really proved us wrong. I would suggest getting there before noon because the line really started to back up.
(5)Bhavya P.
This place is like heaven, makes me feel i am back in india and eating delicious punjabi food in some dabba. Food = 10/10 Ambiance = 10/10 Service = 10/10 A must place for every indian in columbia to go for food. chak de !!!!
(5)Yaka H.
There are quite a few Indian lunch buffet options in the Columbia area, but definitely add Royal Taj to your rotation. The lunch buffet offers a few other touches that aren't available at the other places. In addition, weekend lunch buffet is about $10.95 making it a good deal. They have your traditional Indian lunch buffet items like chicken tikka masala, but the standouts are the dosas and having a cup of chai tea to finish your meal. Fresh made potato dosas made by a chef on the buffet line is a really nice touch. I do agree with Su K. that the naan here is quite good. The naan here were warm and chewy (fresh), with the charred crisp spots on the exterior (shows that they weren't too much in a hurry). It was really a pleasant surprise to actually find nuts (I believe it was sliced almonds) in the Vegetable Korma. For dessert, finish with some kheer topped with sliced almonds or warm gulab jamun, while sipping some hot masala chai tea. Nice ambiance with good service. The interior is well lit with large storefront windows that catch natural sunlight. In general, the interior is nicer than the other two Indian restaurants in the immediate area, but that could be attributed that the building itself is much newer. The owner or manager was walking around greeting guests and making sure everything was okay. SX gives this place two thumbs up, making it our new go-to restaurant. ___________________ UPDATE: We're frequented this place for the lunch buffet on weekends and on a weekday. We're happy to say that the quality of food, variety of dishes, cleanliness, and service are very good and have been consistent.
(4)its c.
Incredibly good food and Great Great service. Everything they make is so fresh and authentic.
(5)Olivia L.
Love this place!.. my boyfriend and I went because we saw it in the shopping center...The service was great and the food was awesome! The service impressed us..very rarely do you find such a nice staff
(5)Christopher B.
Absolutely wonderful experience here this evening. Called ahead for a reservation, but actually arrived 30 mins prior, yet still was seated immediately. From start to end, the most notable thing about this place is the exceptional customer service. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, and genuinely friendly, warm hearted, and polite. Our food was outstanding. Curry portions were a bit much for us, but the quality of the food so good that our leftovers will make a great lunch tomorrow. We had the chicken saag and naan as well. For those of you so far up your own rear ends that you can't appreciate leftovers.... well.... choke yourself. Ambiance and layout were good. The tables were not crowded together and lighting was low. Music was appropriate and at a volume to allow privacy of conversation. At one point, one of the gentleman asked if I was having a drink, I said water, he offered a glass of Merlot on the house, and I accepted his offer. He actually made rounds to the tables, and I saw similar acts of gratuity. Bottom line: top notch service, excellent food, great ambiance made a memorable dinner. Will return as a regular habit.
(5)Supriya M.
I can see what the fuss is all about. Great service and delicious food (probably one of the best Indian food I've had in the US). We were glad we made a reservation as they were not accepting any walk-ins on this Saturday evening. The place was crowded and it was noticeable that there were many loyal patrons of the restaurant. Everything we ordered was delicious especially the lamb chops - oh they were so memorable - perfectly seasoned and cooked. We got carried away with conversation and sat way after we paid the bill but no one rushed us even though we realized when we left that there were people waiting for a table. We felt bad but as mentioned, the waitstaff did not rush us one bit. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for good Indian food - this was definitely the best in the greater Baltimore area.
(5)Stella L.
I have been here many times for their lunch buffet! Usually to me, any Indian lunch buffet is good and similar but this place stands out and wins! I brought my friends here few times and every time they liked it. Pros: -wide selection of food from non vegetarian to chicken and seafood curries - staff is so attentive and polite Cons: a pretty long wait line during the peak weekend lunch time. The host does a great job though making sure the line moves fast.
(5)Eireen C.
I don't like Indian food. At least, that has been my experience with a cuisine that has been served to me either utterly bland or rudely spicy. So why I decided once again to try Bollyfood can only be blamed on one thing. You Yelpers. This place is fantastic! I had a salad that I dressed with tamarind sauce instead of the yoghurt dressing, and crumbled the delicious and complimentary lentil crackers into it. It was like an Indian taco salad. Yum. For my entree I had the Alu Gobi, a scrumptious dish of cauliflower and potato. They were very accommodating with dietary restrictions and the servers were obsequious in filling our water glasses at every turn. They gave us complimentary chai as well. Highly recommended!
(5)Mara A.
I absolutely love this place! Best service everrrrrr! I have been there a couple of times and the service is amazing. I was a little bit concerned about trying Indian food because I don't like spicy food, but this place is amazing. I asked the waiter what dishes were not spicy and he told me not to worry because they can make any dish as mild or spicy as we would like. I had the chicken tikka, and on another occasion I had the chicken in mango sauce; both were delicious and not spicy. This is also a good place for birthday celebration. This is my favorite Columbia restaurant by far!
(5)Jason C.
At typical Indian restaurants, you are accommodated by rude or at best, ambivalent, and grumpy staff who don't give a damn. This was certainly not the case at Royal Taj. The service and ambience at Royal Taj are at a whole different level from any Indian restaurant that I've been to in the US. You are treated like royalty...I'm talking Michelin star grade restaurant service. The staff is extremely professional (very very presentable in speech, mannerisms, and service). At the end of our meal, they brought a takeout box, put the leftovers in the box, put the box in a plastic bag, made sure the box was positioned properly inside the bag so that it wouldn't tilt when i lifted it, knotted the bag. Finally he tugged on it to made sure the knot was good and that the box was positioned well for me to carry. Ever seen a server do all that at less than 15$ dish restaurant???? I was blown away. To add to this, the ambiance is phenomenal...and again it's probably the best I've seen at an Indian restaurant. It's a bit dim with blue lighting that goes around the walls of the ceiling. The bar is something that you would expect at an upscale restaurant in DC. Whoever did the decor must be quite knowledgeable about interior design or hired someone to do it b/c I don't see an average person decorating a restaurant like this. As for the food, we ordered the butter chicken and the alu gobi, both of which were a bit mild on the spice. Based on these two dishes I would say that the foods are geared toward a non-Indian palate... Nevertheless, the food is good and I would say the two dishes are on par with what I would get at Minerva in Gaithersburg. However, I disagree with previous reviews which state that the food is on some godly level. My guess it that the ambiance/service enhanced the perception of the food quality at this estabilshment. So in sum, I truly enjoyed this experience and would be excited to return one day to try more dishes. If you are going to Columbia, which I think is deprived of quality restaurants, I would definitely pay Royal Taj a visit. This place is a bargain for the quality of food, service, and ambience that you get in the DC area.
(5)Shaun M.
The Royal Taj lunch buffet on a Sunday afternoon is GREAT. My best bud was able to find an ample amount of vegetarian dishes and then some. Everything on the the buffet table was fresh, even at 2:30pm. Freshly made Aloo Dosas right in front of you as you go through the buffet line. I got to try some new favorites, Aloo Beingan and Gajar Halwa. Servers were very attentive and there were a lot of them, and as always the host is super attentive and friendly.
(5)Vivian A.
Just had dinner and couldn't wait to review it. Excellent food and great Indian hospitality.
(5)Maquita P.
HEAVEN IN A SHOPPING CENTER!!!! I've had this place bookmarked for a while so I was so happy when my boyfriend picked me up for our date & took me here. The server was so nice & knowledgeable about every item on the menu. I ordered the Tandoori Salmon & it was phenomenal. So much food that I had to take some home. Will def be back soon...my mouth is watering just typing this review!
(5)BC T.
This restaurant is great! My mom and I went for lunch at the recommendation of several friends. When we arrived, the owner and another staff member held the door open for us and greeted us warmly. The ambiance is very clean and nice. The food was AMAZING! Everything looked freshly made and tasted authentic. Even though it was the end of the buffet hour, the food was still plentiful. The best indian restaurant I have eaten at and I will definitely return with friends. Gold mine find! I'm glad we went for the buffet because I would haven't been able to choose just one dish.
(5)Jackie A.
This restaurant is the best! It's so good, it made me cry one day. Okay, I may be going through that phase in my life, but it's so rare to find a restaurant whose dishes are so intricately spiced, no two are alike, the flavors savoring in my mouth and what's this green stuff - it's some sort of chutney with mango, mint and who knows what - but I swirl it with everything, as if it were gravy. I wouldn't normally venture into chickpea land, nor touch a lentil - except for in here, where everything is delish. And the host, I told my husband to watch out, cause this guy is so nice and smooth! He greets us all the time and one time, after I had a car accident - Royal Taj was the only thing I wanted. Yeah, weird; I know. When the host asked how we were and I had told him I just came back from having a car accident, he went back into the kitchen to whip up my favorite dish. Everyone is so nice. The service is great. I love it, love it, love it there! If you find yourself at the end of the line to get in, wait it out; it's so worth it.
(5)John C.
Best Indian food I have had since traveling abroad. The staff is amazing and the owner/manager WILL ensure that you have a pleasant dining experience. Prices are great. I would have no problem paying double the price for food and service this good.
(5)Laura N.
Hands down my favorite Indian restaurant. The food is absolutely wonderful. I however, cannot rave enough about the service. Our family goes here quite a bit, and their service does not slip. Looking for Indian food in the area ... here's your answer!!
(5)Kristen G.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant in the area by far. As everyone else has said, the owner is awesome and makes you feel at home as soon as you step foot in the door. There are nights when the place is packed, but they seat you in a decent amount of time and the rest of the experience is totally worth it. I have never had bad service here...really...not once! I had a friend from India growing up and this food is just as good as the dinners I would experience at her house. They have a great selection and prices aren't unreasonable for what you get.
(5)Chris R.
Great meal and phenomenal service! Their chicken was very flavorful and moist. I am not a huge curry fan and it was great! The service was also great. Our waiter was helpful and the owner came around 2-3 times to check on us. Also gave us free dessert. Extremely great people.
(4)Dallas T.
Great Indian in Baltimore!
(4)Andy B.
I am not a fan of Indian food but the hospitality and food here made me like at least some. It felt like you were the honored guest at someone's home. The people are so nice and welcoming and the food was good, despite me not being a fan of curry. I had a chicken dish and my husband ordered lamb. We were both very pleased with the food and service.
(5)Natalie S.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant in MD! If I could eat here everyday, I would. The host is the best ever and the food is amazing! The buffet lines are always long but people are seated fast. I love that they cook fresh dosas in front of you on the buffet. You can also have a romantic dinner here if you wanted.
(5)Andrew A.
Just came here on a whim and saw the awesome reviews thinking it'll be just another great restaurant, but coming here is an experience. The food is excellent for sure, but the service is honestly like nothing I've ever experienced in a restaurant. The staff here make you feel special just for walking in the door, in gym clothes no less, and you can almost count on something being given to you complimentary such as a glass of wine or a dessert. I know it's so cliched to say you get the VIP experience, but they really do make you feel like a VIP and even say goodbye to you out the door. I"m really not one for Yelp reviews, but felt compelled to say how great this place was for everyone to experience.
(5)Vishal S.
I have visited royal taj both for buffet and a la carte and i must say they have good quality food. The gulab jamuns are really delicious as well as the kheer. They have a wide variety of both veg and non veg foods in their buffet. They also have dosas and idlis in their buffet which is quite tasty. I go there whenever i am in that area.
(4)Daniela M.
5 stars are simply not sufficient to rate this restaurant! I had the salmon tikka masala for dinner and it was amazing!!!! It was the best Indian dish I've ever had. The staff was extremely friendly, the ambiance was pleasant, and the food, of course, was magnificent! Royal Taj is one of the best restaurants in Columbia, MD!
(5)sovia l.
Got take out from here the other night for the first time and enjoyed the food. I live in Jacksonville, FL and haven't found a favorite Indian restaurant there yet. So when I came up to Columbia to visit family, I had to have some Indian food. Originally we were gonna get food from Mango Grove but they're closed on Tuesdays - kinda random day to pick for a restaurant. Luckily I found Royal Taj through yelp. The restaurant itself is actually pretty nice inside and it's small/quaint. As soon as I walked in with my little niece, we were both greeted and they loved my niece; even gave her a free mango juice. Overall I think the food is a little pricey but it's good. I got the saag paneer and it was tasty. My sister got a baigan bharta dish which is eggplant. That was good too. Then we ordered a chicken jalfreeza and that was really good too. I've gotten Indian takeout from another place in Columbia but think the flavors and quality are better at Royal Taj. Next time I'm in town, I'm going to hit up the buffet!
(4)Natalee D.
I stopped by on a whim for lunch. Their lunch buffet was great. The food isn't spicy (which many people complain about with Indian food), but just the right blend of flavor. I had the saag paneer (it's a spinach dish) with basmati rice and another vegetarian dish with cauliflower in a yellow curry sauce (name escapes me), but it was excellent. I also had mango lassis (mango yogurty drink-a must). The only thing that was a disappointment was the garlic naan. It should have been cooked longer to get that rustic flavor naan has. It was practically all white. However this place still beat the last place I went to in Edison, NJ, or what my Indian friends call "little India". The service was great and the manager makes a point to mingle with customers. He even offered me a mango lassi on the house and I heard him ask another woman if she was having her usual pinot. Although the attire reads casual, there were so many businessmen and women there and I was happy I was wearing a skirt and blouse--casual chic
(4)Clyde M.
Very nice place and very friendly staff. We have been to Royal Taj several times, and I have tried several of the dishes. If you like lamb, I would recommend it to you. My wife is very picky, but she even likes the Royal Taj.
(4)Ky T.
We've tried alot of restaurants throughout the DMV so we are also pretty in the know about the good, the bad, and the overrated dining options in this area. Royal Taj is something like the Holy Grail of any place I have EVER wanted to Yelp about. The ambiance is amazing...for date night that is, not so much for bring your 5 crying kids family style dining. The service has been consistently better than service I've EVER experienced at any other restaurant. Service is extremely attentive while also not intrusive or overbearing. You are literally made to feel like kings & queens from the time you are warmly greeted until the time you are enjoying your last bite of the delicious dessert a manager will likely bring you on the house while personally engaging you with warm conversation as though you've been visiting for years or are the restaurant's only guests. And then there's the food... not some of the best Indian food you'll ever have... some of the best FOOD FOOD you'll ever have!! I don't use the term "best" lightly. EVERY bite of EVERYthing was soooo good when it hit my lips. Chicken Tikka yumm, Chicken Chili yumm yumm, Tandoor Lamb chops nom nom nom. GO THERE NOW!!! If you are reading this, do not bother reading ANY more reviews... Go now and have aaaany thing you like from the menu & your expectations although pretty high now will guaranteed be exceeded and you, you, YOU can thank me noooooow ;)
(5)Michael M.
This is the place to take someone that has never had Indian food, the lunch buffet is excellent as is the staff. You will wait in line most days if you don't get there when they open, it's worth the wait.
(5)John P.
Even though this restaurant is well represented here in the yelp world and doesn't seem to need my review, I feel that I should because I am a long time customer and have always had a good experience here. I live three hours from this restaurant and every time I come into town to see my in-laws, it is our tradition to come here and have done so since before everyone else discovered how good it is. In fact, our one complaint is that we can no longer go whenever we want because it is so busy and we don't like to wait for an hour. My in-laws are British so they really like their Indian food and are really critical of most restaurants so the fact that they return here time after time speaks to the quality of the food. None of us has ever had anything that we didn't like, seriously, it's all delicious. The spice level on the lunch buffet could be slightly amped up for our tastes but they always make individual dinner orders to the perfect level of spice. Probably the one thing that makes us love this restaurant so much is how much they appreciate and love their customers, it is so evident every time we go and will keep us loyal. We really like the host, he is extremely friendly and does a great job. The service is excellent and my water is always refilled before I finish it. We hadn't gone in a little while because my father-in-law had hip surgery and was on bed rest. After the doctor gave the all-clear, we celebrated by going to Royal Taj. The host was incredibly attentive to my father-in-law (and his walker) and insisted on giving us free drinks, saying something about loyal customers. When my wife and her mother (who don't drink), refused the drinks, he brought them a free dessert. So nice to feel so welcomed. More businesses should be like this one.
(5)Wendy S.
We'd heard this was delicious, but I was unprepared for how amazing it smelled when we walked in. I'm glad we had a reservation - they were very busy and had a party of 30+ the same time as us. But you'd never notice it - the service never missed a beat. It was perfect. The manager came by and said hello and even brought me a glass of wine. Our food was terrific. We had PUNJABI KADI and CHICKEN METHI The ONION KULCHA and NAAN were incredible. Really incredible. We'll definitely go back. Next time, we'll order the chicken methi a little spicier.
(4)Edwin W.
The moment I walked into this place I had a good feeling about it. If nothing else, the extremely friendly service would be enough to come back. The host, servers and other employees all go out of their way to make you feel special, which is something you can't say about many places. For example, stuffed at the end of the meal, the owner made sure that we had dessert on the house, just as your grandmother would. Knowing that I was a visitor, he also was the first to shake my hand and thank me for coming to visit. Truly friendly people here. The food is on par with the stellar service. What is nice is that the menu is vast, and combines thick hearty northern dishes with more fragrant and spicy dishes reminiscent of the South. I appreciated the depth of flavor from all the dishes we had. The chicken korma had a nutty flavor combined with the sweetness of coconut. The bhindi masala had a nice blend of okra, onions and tomato and was filled with a freshness that complemented the other richer dishes. The lamb saag had a delicate curry flavor to complement that richness of the spinach. The details about the meal were also present. Individual heating candles kept each dish warm throughout the meal. The decor was well suited to create a relaxing dinner atmosphere. All and all a great restaurant hands down.
(5)Chris Y.
I used to only go to House of India for Indian food, until I found out about this place. I first came here for dinner, and not really knowing what to get, I got the chicken tikka masala. Its one of those dishes which I feel like you can't go wrong at any Indian restaurant. It was good, but after trying some of the other dishes my friends got, I quickly realized that I probably got the "worst" of the table, meaning there are much better dishes there. I was particularly impressed with the lamb. It came out sizzling on this mini grill, and it smelled great, tasted even better. It was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Yeah, I'm getting that next time I go there for dinner. As for their lunch buffet, its hands down the best one around my area (HoCo, Anne Arundel). Don't bother going to Akbar. Its mediocre at best. And I like House of India, but this place is better. The thing that makes this place better than anywhere else I've been to, is the service. The servers may not all speak fluent English, but they're quick to refill your drinks if you need it, and always courteous, at least from my experience. Also, every time that I go, a gentleman (possibly the owner) will come to our table and will ask how everything is going and if there's anything we need. I always end up talking to him for a few minutes. It is so great to see this at a non-American food joint.
(5)Kelli L.
This is the best Indian restaurant in the area. Not only is the food always excellent, but the service and hospitality make you always want to come back again and again. We love the chicken tandoori for our 5 and 7 yr olds, and the tandoori shrimp and chicken tikka Masala for the adults. This is also where my kids love going to celebrate their birthdays.
(5)Nancy T.
Really lovely, calm and serene atmosphere in this restaurant. The service is outstanding. Each course comes out very quickly. The food is delicious. As soon as you sit down they bring a huge basket of papadam with 3 different kinds of dipping sauces to your table. The chicken tikka masala was scrumptious. I could eat the sauce all by itself. The entrees come with perfectly cooked basmati rice studded with green peas, but you might want to also order some naan for sopping up all that amazing sauce. You get a complimentary ball of gulab jamun at the end of your meal. Perfect little bite. I also loved their mango lassi. To finish off your meal there is a huge bowl of those pastel colored butter mints for you to pop into your mouth as you leave. Such a nice touch!
(4)Ergo S.
Excellent food and a very gracious and accommodating host. Don't miss the Tabdoori Paneer Tikka, it was delicious. We'll be back!
(5)David T.
I've been here many times for dinner and the lunch buffets. I've enjoyed every meal and like the others posting here, I think it's 100% better than the other Indian restaurants in Columbia. Service has been consistently efficient and polite. I just wish it were closer to me. Open a sister restaurant in Crofton please!
(5)Robert P.
This place is amazing. Definitely my favorite of the Indian restaurants I've been to and approved by my Indian girlfriend. The decor is tasteful and modern, better than most Indian restaurants I've been to. The service is polite and attentive, well dressed and groomed as well. The first time I came here it was for dinner and I had the butter chicken as spicy as they made it and it was one of the best thing I've ever eaten. Incredibly spicy and flavorful, I ate until I could eat no more and enjoyed the leftovers very much the next day. I came back today for the lunch buffet and was similarly impressed. The chicken tikka was delicious and the sauce rich, the fresh dosas were a nice touch and every dish I tried was delicious and memorable which is impressive for a buffet. For dessert I had very good rice pudding and some tasty chai tea as well. Nothing to dislike here, I will be back as soon as I can reasonably justify it ;) 5 stars. No doubt.
(5)Jim R.
This is one of the best Indian restaurants in my little corner of the MD suburbs. Service is excellent. The same person seated and served us. Don't know if he was the owner, but it would make sense as he was obviously proud of his restaurant. I had the Tandoori Mixed Grill and it came out sizzling and looked impressive. Great flavor and the portions were large (I had plenty to take home for lunch the next day). I tried some of my wife's Chicken Tikki Masala and that was excellent as well. The place has a decent atmosphere and was toasty warm inside on a very cold evening, but the white walls, sparse decor, and strip mall location definitely remind you you're in Columbia, MD and not India. It's a nice place though and I'd definitely recommend.
(4)Sara D.
The service and food is so great that I don't want any of you to go. It's so packed. Just kidding. Please go, and chow down. You'll be super happy you did.
(5)Sofia J.
I've been to Royal Taj several times now and every time I've had a wonderful experience. Personally I've only had entrees that are vegetarian but my meat eating friends enjoyed the chicken and lamb entrees as well. I went for the lunch buffet and enjoyed the carrot dessert which I had never tasted before.
(5)Brooke L.
This is only Indian restaurant I've been to and I wouldn't go anywhere else. It is the best. I get there chicken tikki marsala at dinner. I love there buffet which is during lunch time (Mon-Sat). It allows me to explore more options. I also recommend there Mango Lassi drink.
(5)Ibrahim S.
This is the best Indian restaurant in Maryland, the food is nothing short of amazing but more importantly the owners/staff treat you like family. This is the only place I have been to where customer service is a way of life. Royal Taj is truly how a fine dining experiance should be ( very reasonably priced too ) and the portions are large. You will not be disapointed! Check there lunch buffet too!
(5)Vanessa R.
Absolutely love this place I ordered lamb saag and they gave me just the spinach sauce so I called back and the owner I believe gave me another on the house besides that fact he is so very sweet and professional I love this place foods great and always fresh and amazing decor!!
(5)Fat T.
The atmosphere is very nice and the service is outstanding. I mean the service is probably the best I've had in Howard County. The food is probably the best indian food in howard county and I've eatin at them all. Highly recommended.
(5)Lucy V.
The lunch buffet here is great. The food is awesome and the chai tea is addictive. The service is very attentive. I would definitely recommend!
(5)Ricky M.
The food here is on par with some of the best indian food I've had. The owner makes you feel very welcome, the staff is quite attentive as well. I couldn't say anything more about how great the service was. Obviously the food is amazing. The chicken tikka and chicken makani are full of flavor. The kabobs are a great choice for appetizers as well. The mango lassi hits the spot and their is even a solid wine selection. We went for my fathers birthday and were treated great by the owner, he gave us desserts on the house even though we were quite satisfied and stuffed from the meal. Definitely worth coming to and recommending to others
(5)SG G.
The place is decent, not too upscale not too downscale either but better than standard indian restaurants. Service was fantastic, specially the manager, he was very accomodating eventhough the place was pretty crowded during lunch hours and everything was steaming hot and fresh. They had really good starters and chai for buffet that was kind of surprising too. They have limited vegetarian options but they have lot of chicken options and I heard people loving it and they were licking fingers. I wish they would start taking reservations for small groups so that we do not need to stand in lines for long time. Overall I would recommend to a friend and I would definitely visit again.
(4)Cassandra R.
We went on a Saturday night around 6 without a reservation and they made room for us right away! When they found out my sister had travelled to India they treated us like family. Wonderful food and service!!
(5)Nick W.
I do coworker reviews 2 times a year and I target taking my coworkers this place. My wife and daughters want to drive from Pasadena to RT all the time. Last week I suggested we try another place (something closer to home) so I wouldn't miss the game and just to compare, boy was that a mistake! My wife set up the DVR, added 30 minutes to the end time and away we went! Once they stopped laughing at me and I got took that first bite of food I once again was reminded why that I'm lucky to be amongst such fine women! Attentive staff, excellent food and I wish the line was a whole lot shorter than it usually is... but good food is the reason we drive so far... over and over again!
(5)James J.
My girlfriend and I go here all the time, it's one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The food is wonderful and the service is some of the best we have ever experienced. They have a buffet Saturday and Sunday that is definitely worth checking out. My favorite: Buffet!, when buffet is not available: Fish curry
(5)Tara W.
DRESS UP FOR DINNER In all the reviews I read, nobody mentioned it's not a jeans-friendly restaurant. Me and my family all wore jeans, and we almost didn't want to go in because we were embarrassed. That being said, the staff didn't say anything to us and didn't seem to care, but they were dressed as butlers so it felt a little weird. Also, the waiters never seem to leave you alone. If they're not asking if you need anything, they're refilling your water glass. Take a sip...someone comes to refill it. I don't think I ever made it down to the second half of my glass without someone rushing to refill it. I appreciate attentiveness, but this was a bit much. on to the food....the first time I ate here I got the lamb karahi and it was pretty good. I would probably order it again if I went back a third time. If you don't order off of the tandoor menu, the portions are small for the big price. Luckily I wasn't that hungry, so I didn't mind. The second time I went I got the tandoor shrimp, and it was just ok. I only got 6 shrimp, and for $21 that's a bit of a rip-off. I would not order the shrimp again. If you want something off the tandoor menu, get the lamb chops or the salmon. The lamb chops are pricey, but SO GOOD. And it's a good portion (3-4 chops). I have a family of 5, and we all shared our dishes so I can also comment on what they ordered. The PUNJABI KADI was really good. I mixed some of that with my lamb and some rice and the result was awesome! Usually vegetable dishes are spicy, but this one was not, which I liked. If you want your dishes spicy you need to specifically tell them. I didn't try the chicken marsala, but my family liked it. My mom is the one who ordered it and she said she probably wouldn't order it again. The second time we went she got the SEEKH KABOB, and let me tell you it was gross. First of all, it looks like poop. Literally. It's presented as lamb logs, so basically you get your plate and it looks like 4 pieces of sizzling poop. Despite the presentation, I tried it...and i wish I hadn't. It was as bad as it looked. My brother's wouldn't even eat it, and they eat everything.
(3)Brooke B.
The best Indian food in the area-hands down! The Buffett has a great variety and the food is delicious. The service is wonderful- especially the manager. The restaurant is small and gets very crowded on the weekends during lunch Buffett time, but the manager is always so on top of it. He has even offered us free drinks as an apology for waiting. The restaurant is clean and have I mentioned that the food is great?
(5)Austin B.
Amazing. I've only been here for the lunch buffet; the bang for your buck is incredible. I'd never really had much Indian food before coming here for the buffet the first time. Trying a scoop of everything is my style at buffets. Since I don't eat much Indian food and I'm not familiar with the names couldn't tell you what I've had (besides maybe chicken marsala), but I enjoyed everything that I tried. I love the unique flavors. I'll be back soon!
(5)Garrett K.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! It was my first Indian food ever and seriously it makes me want to take a trip there. Everything was done so well and the waiters and manager were super friendly and helped us out. My husband got the Taj Mahal beer which was pretty good. The "chips and salsa" were so delicious - I know that's now what it is really called but boy it was good! We ordered the Kabob appetizer and the lamb dish. It was WAY too much food for the two of us but having a lot of left overs was a bonus. So even though it was a little pricey (I think we paid around $70 for dinner but we got drinks too) there was plenty left for us both to eat again. I will certainly go back here and can't wait to do so!
(5)John G.
Top notch Indian restaurant. Very authentic and extremely well prepared delicacies. Very handsome restaurant inside. Linen tablecloths and top brand dinnerware. Very nice touches all around. Was met by a very friendly owner. Seated promptly. Service is very good at all levels. Had the Chicken Tandori and the Lamb Katati. Both meals were scrumptious. Had the naan which was very tasty also. Just many nice touches all around that accompany the great food. Extensive food menu and nice wine list. Highly recommended!
(5)E E.
Phenomenal. Just phenomenal. I've been for the lunch buffet, which offers a range of meat and vegetarian-based dishes. As someone who loves Indian but has a very low tolerance for spice, it can be tricky getting to know a new Indian restaurant. Mild and spicy items are identified, all meat is tender, vegetarian dishes are incredibly flavorful and there are more options than I can try in one go. As for dinner, the vibe gets more intimate than the lunchtime buffet crowd. The waiters are knowledgeable and attentive so if you're trying to remember a dish or get a recommendation, you can trust their guidance. I have always had excellent service here, whether it was lunch or dinner. The manager is always out and about, welcoming guests and keeping the staff at the top of their game. While I've only been a handful of times, I've recently gotten the, "Welcome back!" which goes to show you the attention they pay to the customers and loyal following they have. It is not unusual for the manager to be personally welcoming back customers and shaking hands to folks waiting for their tables. How many restaurants do you get that kind of appreciation from? Dinner isn't cheap but I would argue that you get what you pay for -- the quality and service are outstanding. Besides, I'm sure rent isn't cheap and their lunch profit is lean. In other words, it's business. if you want the most bang for your buck, come for lunch. Great for a date, great for lunch with colleagues, I can't recommend it enough. If you're not sure, got at lunch, try the various dishes and get a feel for it. For those with Gluten restrictions: My dear officemate with whom I regularly grab lunch has a severe gluten intolerance. But here? She's good to go. They use all chickpea flour (typical for Indian food) which is gluten-free.
(5)Jill J.
I have been going to this Indian restaurant in Columbia, MD for about a year. The food is excellent but the service is even better. The owner understands the value of exceptional customer service and practices the art regularly. He treats every customer as if they are the most important person there. We had the restaurant cater our wedding reception and they did it very well and in an affordable manner.
(5)Emilie C.
The staff that served us were showing attitude issues that amounted to appalling manners. It is more noticeable in a nice restaurant which it is a beautiful place. Our waiter actually stepped back and said, "geeeesh" and rolled his eyes and walked away when I said I wasn't ready to order and needed a few more minutes. There were about 4 staff members that approached us so they aren't short on staff or service. There was a second waiter that approached us, he seemed nice. I asked for their rice pudding to go and he rolled his eyes ....an imposition I suppose. At this point, I was asking my fiancé if it is a thing for indian people to openly display attitude. I have no idea but I liked the guy that seated us and he came back to check in which I thought was nice. My fiancé told me that he watched him ask the women behind us how they were doing and walked away right as he finished talking and before they had a chance to answer. I felt cramped where I was sitting but I think there may be plenty of places that aren't so cramped in the restaurant. I am not going back because I expect to not feel like I am a bother to the waiter for showing up. Total opinion: They were not genuine and not very good at hiding it. Call me crazy but I prefer nice people....genuinely nice people. We were sitting to the right so if you go there, maybe sit on the left side and hope they don't rotate the staff. ;)
(1)Erica S.
Some of the best Indian food I've ever had. Beautiful, fragrant, fresh flavors. We hit the Saturday lunch buffet and they refresh even near the end of lunch. They come around to the tables and let patrons know they are shutting down. And the service is impeccable. Fast, friendly and attentive. A neighborhood feel. The management will remember your face every time you come back. You must go here!
(5)Cat J.
This place has great food and absolutely excellent service. I would definitely recommend.
(5)Jacquelyn R.
I love this place! Excellent customer service and the food is great! I believe it's the closest you can get to real Indian food, most restaurants are a little to Americanized. I certainly think a lot of Indian food is pricey but the service makes up for it! Alsoo, I wish they had a thinner Roti but that's just my preference...YUM, I def will and do go back all the time! Forgot to mention the ambiance is just perfect!
(5)Amanda C.
What a great experience, start to finish. I've had a lot of Indian food and this is absolutely some of the best, and that's compared to some in NYC! Great service, very attentive and nice waiters and the owner even checked in. We had chicken korma and an eggplant dish with the whole wheat naan and some rice pudding. Delicious! Lovely ambiance and good prices for Indian. I'll be back!
(5)F S.
Went there initially about 1 year ago for dinner and was impressed by the classy interior, the well dressed waiters and the courteous service. The food was quite good. Just recently went back for New Year's Eve dinner with a group of 4. Everything was as I remembered it and the food was consistently good. I got the tandoori chicken and wife got the tandoori salmon. Both were generous portions and tasty. Other folks got the chicken tikka masala and lamb vindaloo. All were good, though none spectacular. The food is somewhat pricey for what you get. And like most Indian restaurants these days, naan will cost you extra. Overall, this is one of the better Indian restaurants in the Columbia area. Based on others' reviews, it seems the lunch buffet may be the way to go for variety and value. Will try lunch next time.
(4)Eat A.
Royal Taj is fantastic in every way. My beautiful girlfriend and I went for dinner and we were treated like a king and queen. It was a royal feast and the service was perfect. One of the owners, Bindha, treated us like pure gold. All of the servers were extremely polite and friendly. They gave us free dessert and and a free mango drink that tasted like pure bliss. We ordered chicken and salmon. The salmon came out and it was like a double order! Really the two entrees were enough to feed four people. The bill came to like 40 bucks...a really good value for fine dining. Go to Royal Taj now! You will be glad you did!
(5)C H.
This is the best Indian food I've ever had. After my first visit, Royal Taj quickly became one of my favorite restaurant. I'm fortunate enough to work down the street so I often take advantage of their hell-of-a-deal lunch buffet for $11.99 and I always bring my co-workers. Royal Taj also has an outstanding dinner menu and offers a much more intimate and formal atmosphere in the evening. The food is cooked to perfection, the service is outstanding and the portions are large. The lamb korma is simply amazing if you're a saffron lover like me. The wait staff and manager are always so sincerely excited to have you and truly know how to be great hosts.
(5)Adam S.
Love the food here! The chicken tikka is great and the owner is very friendly and personable. My one gripe would be to add more chicken to the tikka. It also is a bit $$$.
(5)James P.
Service was great and food was fantastic. What more could u want?
(5)William M.
Outstanding food and service. They always remember who you are and treat you like family!
(5)Platt F.
If you do not like this place, you have no taste I am sorry. I came her for dinner and although it was pricey the food was amazing. I had the paneer and some rice and they gave us complimentary dessert. Love the staff. They are friendly and good looking. If the price was not so high, I would have given this restaurant 5 stars but hey business is business and these guys get business regardless. The taste OMG is amazing. I cannot say that enough. That is the primary reason to come here. Also the upkeep of the restaurant is great. Love it! Great clean, location too. Will come here again.
(4)Ayusa S.
The setting is beautiful and everyone working there treats you like family! I went for the buffet and I can't say I was impressed. I cook a lot of Indian food, with family recipes and I can't say the food at this restaurant was purely authentic. I liked the pakoras, paneer and palak but the chicken tikka was Americanized and too tomatoey.
(3)Jen G.
So I have never eaten Indian food in my life, however about a month ago while in MD on business I tried dinner here (thank you fellow Yelpers) and this place was amazing! 1st of all the host (assuming the owner but not sure) welcomes you like you are family!! Couldn't believe how friendly the entire wait crew were, simply amazing perhaps Boca Raton has hardened me but I was stunned at how nice everyone was!! Dinner was so delicious! Fortunately I was with my sales manager who was a pro at Indian cuisine however he had never been here but says he has never tasted better. We started with an assorted kabob platter which had chicken, shrimp and some kind of sausage (forgive me I'm a newbie at this kind of food). I ordered the chicken mango curry and my dinner partner had chicken tandoori - all above mentioned food was so fresh, moist, and tasty but much to my surprise and contrary to what I was always told the curry was not overpowering it was perfectly seasoned. At the end of that dinner the host offered us complimentary wine or desert we chose the wine and that so good. Fast forward to tonight I'm back in MD told my sales manager guess where we are going??? Yup right back here and wouldn't you know the wonderful handsome host came up to us said "welcome back!!" I said no way you remember us and sure enough he said of course you sat right over there ... Yes we did!! He seated us at the window which was great. We ordered the same appetizer, with the mango chicken then tried the shrimp Biryani / almost forgot they started both meals with this crispy bread with different sauces. Next thing you know our waitress (so sweet) says compliments of the house and brings us chai tea and Gulab Jamun deep fried cottage cheese with syrup ?) FANTASTIC. Extraordinary service, food top notch, so reasonable ... Can't wait to come back to MD. Thanks to everyone at Royal Taj dinning with you is an experience I will always remember and always look forward too!! See you next trip !
(5)Zahra K.
Service, amazing. Masala chai, also amazing. How enamored the entire staff was by my friends 2 year old...bonus! The food...is what you would expect from a very popular Indian restaurant in the middle of Columbia, MD. It is definitely made to suit non-Desi tastes. I can't help it, I like my desi food spicy. Not burn-a-hole-in-your-stomach spicy, but I want to feel a little kick. Besides the lack of spice, the food itself is cooked very well, I will give them that. Not too oily, rice was perfect, naan was delicious and soft. But I don't buy the hype here.
(3)Heather M.
This place really lives up to it's hype! Went for the lunch buffet at 12:30 on a Tuesday and waited only about 10 minutes. The host as the other reviewers say is fantastic. He greets everyone at the door and opened the door for us on the way out to say goodbye. Our waiter was far less enthusiastic however he made sure our waters were always full (to the brim). The buffet itself was pretty good. My favorite was the chicken masala. Other reviews said that they didn't have a lot of vegetarian options but I found that they had quite a few. Went with a vegetarian and she had no problems. I am not a big gulab jamun fan but this one was on of the best I've had. It was nice and fluffy. I also really enjoyed the fruit custard. It was simple with fruit cocktail in it but I thought it was very tasty. The place is small but nicely decorated. I am eager to try for dinner but the lunch buffet is such a good deal!
(5)Niran A.
I don't know where to start, in a good way. Every time I dine at Royal Taj, my party and I are personally greeted by the owner, who always makes sure our entire evening is a top-notch experience. We don't know the owner, but you would never know otherwise, as he constantly is engaged with customers and making sure food comes out the kitchen to immense specification. The restaurant space is relatively small and nicely decorated and has an eye catching bar setup. The menu is diverse, with many Indian/American standards such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, saag, goat curry, etc. I have sampled so many items on the menu, and I can honestly say none of them disappoint. We usually start with the assorted kebab platter, which comes out sizzling with grilled chicken tikka, tandoori shrimp and Seekh kebab - all delicious and a great way to start the meal. Samosas are always great too, and go great with the cilantro/mint chutney, tamarind sauce, and pickle that are on each table. In terms of entrees, I recently tried the lamb methi which was unbelievable. The fall-apart lamb is stewed with fenugreek in a dark (relatively thick) curry sauce. The curry flavor is just right and allows the other aromatics to shine as well. The chicken tikka and saag dishes are also some of the better preparations I have tried, with the sauces always tasting homemade and incredibly fresh. You really can't go wrong with other entrées though, everything is great. Some other quick notes as well, I will say that portions can be a bit small relative to the price. The ingredients though are always of very high grade though, which makes the prices justifiable as far as I'm concerned. I think portions can be sharable if you also get an appetizer. Basmati rice (which is beautifully cooked with clove and spice) is included with most entrees, while naan is additional. Lastly, again a testament to the owner - on each occasion I have dined here, the owner has also made sure our wine or cocktail glasses were full, even if that means a pour on the house. All in all, I really love this place. I live in Baltimore, so dining at Royal Taj is a 25 minute trek each way, but well worth it. I have yet to find an Indian restaurant in Baltimore as good as Royal Taj on just food alone - add in the excellent service from the owner and his staff and you really have a home run.
(5)Demetrios G.
If I could choose one place to eat lunch at for the rest of my life it would be Royal Taj. In full disclosure, I've never been here for dinner. Their Lunch Buffet is just that good. They take service to the next level. From greeting you warmly at the door to having as many waiters on the floor as there are tables to wishing you a great day when you leave. The food is equally superb. They have at least three vegetarian options and wonderful meat options as well. The little fried potato balls are amazing. They're warm and perfectly salted. if they have the Gajar Halwa Carrott pudding for desert make sure you eat it. The warm buttery carrot goodness is perfect. From what I understand they're planning on moving to a new location in Columbia Crossing sometime in September. Highly Recommended!
(5)Luis G.
I've been going to this restaurant since the very first day they opened. This is by far the best Indian cuisine in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC area! The dishes are fantastic! The owner and staff are all friendly and they take customer service to the next level. Do yourselves a favor and absolutely make it a point to visit. Once you experience the food and service, you'll wish you had discovered it earlier.
(5)Binayak Raj J.
Its the best place. Make sure you make an appointment if you are going there on weekend, else you have to wait for 45 mins to an hour before you get your seat. Food are spectacular. I was there for buffet and planning to go there again soon.
(5)Jo A.
This is the absolute hands down best Indian restaurant around. I have been going here before it opened to the public. They had an invite only event before they opened and I have been going ever since. I have brought pretty much anyone that will allow me to bring them here. The buffet is the best Indian buffet spread around. The ambiance is well done too. Besides the amazing food is the outstanding service. The owner rocks! He makes you feel like family whether you are a regular here or first time diner. My now husband went here the night of our engagement and when he found out he made sure we celebrated in style. Don't over think it, just go!
(5)Sara M.
The only 5 stars I've given on here (so far) - if that doesn't attest to how good this place is, I actually didn't like Indian food until I came here! I have come for the lunch buffet multiple times over the last few years and it is consistently perfect - from the food to the service to the decor/ambience. Other buffets may have an option or two more, but their line-up is so solid that you'll be too busy stocking up to even notice. I can't praise the servers enough, they literally know what I need before I do. This definitely reflects management - the owner greets every person through the door as if s/he is a personal friend. The best Indian restaurant in the DMV, period.
(5)Stephanie W.
Hands down the best Indian Lunch Buffet in the greater Baltimore area. I live 40 miles away, with a number of Indian restaurants closer to home and it is worth the drive every time! The restaurant is clean and nicely decorated, but on the smaller side. I have never been for dinner, but they are always very busy at lunch. The staff is amazing!!! Everyone is greeted upon entry and graciously thanked upon departure. They are attentive and kind; some of the best service you can get. The best part, the food! The lunch buffet offers a large variety of selections, all high quality and delicious! Everything is full of flavor; easily the best Indian food I have ever had.
(5)Joyce P.
The food is incredible and the service is even more amazing. My husband and I feel like VIP's every time we come. We don't get date nights often, but when we do, we always end up here. The wait for a table is never long, your water never gets half empty before its topped off, and the food never disappoints. It's no wonder they stay busy well after peak dinner hours!
(5)Jason F.
I stopped by here this past Wednesday afternoon with my coworker for lunch. Whenever we arrived we were greeted at the door by a host who was really friendly and seemed to know all of the regulars. It was nice but what I found odd was that he had an earpiece in and so he looked like he was part of the secret service. Later I would also notice that many of the busboys would have the same setup going for them. Upon entering the restaurant our host told us that all of the tables were currently taken and that we would be seated in 5-10 minutes. During that time I was able to have a good look around the restaurant. Most of it was taken up by tables but they also had a really nice bar in one of the corners and a really nice decorated tile ceiling. For lunch I decided to have the lunch buffet which to be honest was my only option, I think. It consisted of a number of different chicken entrees (tandoori, tikki masala, something with a coconut curry sauce and a punjabi one), some type of chai tea, a soup and then the usual naan, basmati rice and fried vegetables as well as a couple of other items. I was able to try all of the chicken dishes and they all tasted quite good. I especially enjoyed the grilled flavoring of the tandoori chicken and the sauce of the tikki masala. What I didn't like was that the chicken in the tikki masala was really overcooked and rubbery making it somewhat difficult to enjoy the sauce. Overall though it was a solid Indian buffet that I mostly enjoyed. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. The food was decent and the service here was really good.
(3)Alyssa M.
Staff Probably the nicest bunch of staff that I've ever encountered in a business. Extremely welcoming. Food Fresh and delcious. I was having a difficult time finding an Indian spot and then this place came highly recommended by a coworker. I very critical when it comes to Indian food.. and consider myself an Indian food expert lmfao... but I'm serious. Briyani... sooooo good. Chicken Tikka masala was fresh and delicious... creamy and seasoned soooo good. Mulll... soup (eh I'm horrible with spelling the name of the soup... and I don't feel like looking it up)... but it was the bomb.com Chicken tikka... sizzling when it came out .... sooo yummy. Garlic naan... whewww delcious Almond and raisin naan.... Omg. Nvr heard of this combo but it was beyond divine. Mango lassi... the best ever.
(5)Margaret N.
Super sweet service! Great selections during lunch buffet- they have everything from tandoori chicken to chicken vindaloo! You also get a nice, authentic chai tea at the end!
(4)Heidi P.
I came here for the first time and it was amazing! The buffet for lunch was so good. I loved the paneer, the naan, basically everything. I can't remember exactly what I had to eat because I ate myself into oblivion. Their chai tea was the best I've ever had and their mango lassi was classy with its pineapple and orange slice on the rim. This place is super popular as there was a line out the door before it even opened. Really popular place and they are moving to a larger location to accommodate their loyal customers. I made the one hour commute by metro and a 15 min car ride to this place. It was the best experience!
(5)Omar S.
My favorite Indian in the Howard County area, some of the best I've had. Solicitous service, rich, nuanced flavors, good spice levels (on request). Everything tastes fresh and bright. Being from a Desi family and having eaten South Asian food for many years in many places, one can quickly notice the bland places, the places using the same spice mixes for everything, or subpar ingredients. None of that applies here, seasoning is bright and varied by dish. Everything tastes as fresh as it should. Of 3-5 dishes on two visits, the only sour note was the lamb biryani-- while very flavorful and well-seasoned, it was on the dry side and there was so very little lamb (about 1/5 of what I'd expect in one of the curry dishes)-- kind of like the bottom of the biryani pot. I'll stick to other dishes here (all of which were good). Make sure to get one of the made-to-order naans! Both visits, our group was offered complimentary chai-style tea (seasoning and milk in black tea) as well as complimentary gulab-jamens for dessert. Note the place gets busy and loud. Consider off-hours or carryout for a calmer experience. The menu is online, if you need to prep before being presented a long list of delicious choices. But definitely go!
(5)Sarab S.
Best indian food I ate in USA. Hospitality - top notch Service - top notch I asked for one of the usual dishes that is on the buffet but wasn't on today's menu.. Made it for me specially (punjabi Hospitality) Definately coming back!!
(5)Friday S.
The best Indian food I have ever had! I wish I lived here to enjoy it more, every time I visit my parents they take me here!! The service is amazing! The owner always members us and treats us like family! I love the butter chicken and the nan is amazing!!! The lunch Buffet is great too, but I always over eat!!
(5)Chris R.
Decent food. Decent ambience. Definitely the hosting process takes the highlight. I heard a lot about the place before i came. So my expectations were not totally met Dosa was good. Crispy and the curry was not too spicy Naan. Pakora can be better Chicken tikka masala. Palak tandoori are better than many restaurants. They have a high dose of sour taste which otherwise can taste better. Service is great. They asked me something to drink and bought free tea from buffet. Plates were attended. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Tutti S.
By far the best Indian food ever! Everything was fresh and flavorful!! Every member of staff was welcoming and darn right friendly. The best food and the absolute best service. I can't wait to return. I always judge Indian food by how good the Chicken TIkka Masals is and it was delish!!, They also had delish naan and mint chutney. Everything was sooo amazing -I really can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Justin h.
My favorite Indian spot in the area. The food is always great and the atmosphere is what you want and expect at a restaurant. Be prepared to be welcomed with a firm handshake and be treated like friend and family. I've been for the lunch buffet, dinner, and take out and have never been disappointed. There can be a wait at lunch or dinner but its worth it.
(5)N K.
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. HANDS DOWN. Each section of the restaurant had at least two very attentive waiters to make sure that you have plenty of water and anything else you may need. The host was very nice from the beginning and greets you when you arrive and sees you out when leaving. He offered complimentary wine/beer and the staff provided a small dessert on the house. Besides the above and beyond aspects, the food was very delicious. They made butter chicken, which was not listed on the menu, for my boyfriend, who stated it was the best he has ever had. I ordered the chicken tikka masala, which was also very well done. They provided plenty of rice and even extra when packing up the leftovers. Overall, a great indian restaurant with really great food. It is a noisy place since it is small and it was packed, so it is difficult to hear one another. Also, pricey- for the two of us, after tip, it was about $50, but that seems to be the prices for Indian food in MD area, so to be expected.
(5)Dee D.
ROYAL TAJ is an EXCELLENT Indian restaurant in Columbia Md. Their tag line is "fine Indian cuisine" and u truly are in for fine dining. From EXTREMELY FRIENDLY hosts/hostesses to white linens to complimentary treats.....this place is top notch! Excellent EXCELLENT customer service!!!!!! That speaks VOLUMES! The manager is so warm and friendly as well. Checking in on your dining experience and speaking as you enter and exit the establishment. Wonderful! Food is great too. YUMMY options and delicious spices!!!!! Way to go! Quench that craving with Royal Taj!
(4)Tj H.
Great service and food. You will know this is a great place based upon the line of people waiting to be seated on a Saturday afternoon. Service was excellent. The manager came by my table at least twice to check on me by name. Food was exquisite especially for a lunch buffet. I never had Punjab Gati until today...it was great. Soup was also phenomenal. Chai is on the buffet. Price was very competitive at $12.95 for the lunch buffet.
(5)Jody M.
This is definitely the best Indian restaurant in the area. Every time we go we are welcomed by the owner who remembers us. The food is simply amazing. Whether you go for the lunch buffet or dinner, you won't be disappointed. Lamb Korma is my personal favorite dish. The Kashmiri naan is delicious too. Great place for a romantic dinner!
(5)Anita C.
The food is pretty great but the outstanding service is what earns Royal Taj five stars. Each of the wait staff and especially the proprietor pay close attention to customers, and are charming and engaging. And yes, the food is great although not quite as spicy as I like, even when I ask for 'Indian spicy'. I typically order the Chicken Biryiani but have sampled different dishes that my companions have ordered.
(5)Jonathan C.
Great service and food. When we showed up on time for our reservation, there was a table already set for us with the crispy dipping things and sauce already waiting for us! The service was consistently excellent from there throughout the meal.
(5)Khadija Dawn C.
They are just amazing. Everything is perfect
(5)Rohit L.
Excellent food at reasonable prices. Service can be a bit slow at times, but it's mainly because they are so busy. Authentic food. Great flavors. And I'm Punjabi. Enough said
(5)Eva S.
Royal Taj is a fine dining experience, with food that tastes like grandma is cooking in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're with family. The food here is beyond delicious, hearty and full of fresh spices and herbs. and it is ALWAYS fresh. After you're meal you will be served a complimentary cup of chai. The vegetable samosas and chicken korma is my absolute favorite here. p.s. Don't forget to order naan, it also comes out steaming fresh. I have over 10 years experience in restaurant/industry and the manager/hostess of this establishment is honestly the best I have ever encountered. Very professional yet treats every single guest as a family member. The servers are always very attentive: making sure your glass of water is never empty, the table is always tidy and that you are truly enjoying your meal. If you have any questions about the menu, they are very knowledgeable and will happily explain it to you. I have never experienced such genuine customer service and friendliness anywhere else. If you are a fan of Indian food or even if you are a first timer - this is the place to go.
(5)Kristina L.
Incredible service! Really attentive waiters and hosts. Water was always filled and the food was amazing! Everyone at my table ordered lamb!
(5)Plub B.
I went to royal Taj for quick bite (lunch buffet) And enjoyed it all!! Service: walked in and was greeted right away( maybe the owner). It was lunch time so there was a 5 minute wait(honestly made me happy). I was seated and the manager came to greet me, followed by water and hot tea(sure I will drink tea at noon). Plates were cleared immediately. My water glass refilled without me asking for it. And even the tea was refilled every time I went to get food. Food: I absolutely enjoyed everything. As a vegetarian, I even struggle for food at Indian buffets, they use a simply formula but not here. They had massala dosa, aloo tikki, and pakora. Dosas were being made right I front of you. For lunch yellow daal(not buttery but cumin tadka), saag (not just spinach), corn cabbage( not usual desi dish, but great flavors) aaloo mattar( not my favorite here). They had huge quantity of naan, rice and all that comes. I ate so much didn't leave room for desert, but it looked good. Even if their food lacked a little(which it didn't) I would definitely come here again for the service!!
(5)Prashant A.
It's nice place .. The manager Binda is very energetic Ian's keep the place lively The vegetarian have limited options in lunch buffet ...
(4)Ashutosh S.
We have been coming to Royal Taj since we moved to Baltimore area three years ago. The place is quite welcoming! Our two boys are picky and they give this place a 5 star! The desert menu could be enhanced. Even so, given the entire experience I chose to give it a five star. One should definitely explore this place.
(5)Kiaira B.
This was a great place. We went on a Saturday and had a 45 min wait. This place is popular. Try to put in a reservation early. I am an avid lover of Indian food buffets so I clearly took the wrong path by coming to dinner. The food was pretty awesome but I wanted more of a variety on my plate. Again, buffet lover. The person I went with had Spicy Goat and it was too spicy for me to eat and I love spicy food. I had mild mango chicken and it had no spice at all. It's kinda tricky to figure out spicy levels on your first visit. I would try this place again but I would go for lunch so I could try more dishes. The manager was awesome, he was very warm and welcoming and greeted everyone like he's know them for years. Her even offered us free dessert and dessert wine. After a 45 min wait and great food we also receive free gifts! I am a fan of this place but I do need to find off peak dining hours.
(4)Brendan Y.
I came here on a recommendation from a friend, and boy am I happy that I did. Before I could even walk in the door, a gentleman opened the door for us and took care of us immediately. I went for the lunch buffet, and it was perfect--- all the dishes were freshly prepared and sizzling with flavor. All the sauces were full of flavor, as you may expect from many Indian buffets, but it was the combination of delicious food and excellent customer service that got me hooked. The atmosphere is so pleasant. Perfect for lunch/ dinner dates with any kind of group or individual. Best Indian buffet in the area that I have experienced so far -- will certainly be back very soon.
(5)Jeff M.
Amazing. Everything about this place is outright amazing. Every time I visit the Royal Taj it makes my week. The owner and his staff set a level of expectation that is above and beyond. They never cease to impress.
(5)ChipnAmanda F.
Very good food! On our first visit they explained all the food to us and helped us with the menu. Great lunch spot, but super busy so get there early!
(5)Allison W.
We saw that Royal Taj was in Yelp's top restaurants from last year (in a strip mall near my friend's house no less) so I made the trek from MoCo to Columbia. I would be willing to travel even farther for a dining experience like Royal Taj. From the moment we walked in, we were taken care of. Our water glasses were never less than 2/3 full, yet I never found the service intrusive. The food was spicy and flavorful, and I have no complaints so I can keep it quick: we started with vegetable samosas, I enjoyed the chicken vindaloo and my friend loved the lamb chili. The menu is refreshingly varied, with yummy-looking options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The host stopped by our table a couple of times to check that we were enjoying our meal. I was loving my food so much I completely forgot that we had ordered garlic naan so I am currently munching on that as I write. Yum! We were getting ready to go and our server brought us complimentary Gulab Jamun (fried cheese with honey) and chai tea, since the host "wanted us to stay warm in the cold outside." SO. NICE. A few people seemed to know the host, and gave him big hugs saying they'd be back soon to hang out. It truly feels so warm and welcoming here. From start to finish this meal was incredible, and for a glass of wine, samosas, and an entree I only spent $30 (before tip). I would love to come back to try their lunch buffet, or get takeout for a cold night cuddled up on the couch. Can't say enough, this was fantastic.
(5)Steph W.
Five stars for service and five stars for food! My boyfriend and I first went here about two years ago on our first date. He was fasting for Ramadan and was used to Indian restaurants in his country having dates available to eat to break their fast. When we arrived, he asked if they had dates. The server called over the manager who thought we were announcing we were on a date and was happy to make a special plate for us and make sure we had a good time. When my boyfriend finally clarified by showing him a picture of dates, the manager asked that the bartender run to Wegman's to get us dates! We insisted MANY times that we were fine and he still sent his bartender to get the dates. Although we felt bad that he had done that, it really showed us the amazing service that they offer their customers. These dates were on the house, so we made sure to compensate for them in our tip. I cannot remember much about this night, other than we loved the food. However, their is an Indian restaurant close to where we live, so we don't often come to Columbia to satiate our Indian food appetite. However, we definitely want to try the buffet, soon. Two years later we came back here for our two year anniversary and had another great experience. We were met by the same man. His name escapes me, but you will probably meet him if you dine there. He greets everyone as if he is their best friend. It is very nice. We had made a reservation, so we were seated after a few minutes. (We made sure not to ask for dates this time, so the poor bartender wouldn't need to put on his running shoes.) We ordered the vegetable pakora, which is really delicious and there is a nice variety of vegetables. My boyfriend ordered the Mulligatawny Soup, which is smooth and buttery. For our main meal we ordered the lamb korma and the chicken methi. The korma at Royal Taj is my favorite korma out of every indian restaurant we have tried, (and we order korma at every Indian restaurant). It is fragrant and has beautiful smooth flavors. The chicken methi was good, although I have never had it anywhere else, so I cannot make comparisons. We also ordered two types of naan, keema naan with is stuffed with lamb and kashmiri naan which has raisins and nuts. The keema naan was beautiful with the leftover sauce from our entree dishes and the kashmiri naan was sweet and was nice to eat after our meal. They also served us tea on the house and I know they usually offer gulab jamun, as well, but we declined. The above-mentioned friendly gentleman also offered us dessert wine, which we turned down as well, since we are Muslim and don't drink. We will definitely be back, although we probably won't be regulars, since we get overexcited and spend a lot while we are here. Maybe for our next special occasion!
(5)Ann V.
Happy to add another 5 star review. Was in town for work, and came here twice for lunch. Great quality and variety of food (chicken Tikka Masala was yummy!) friendly attentive staff and the manager/owner (?) checked in multiple times. He seemed genuinely appreciative for my business, which was a nice personal touch. Will definitely be back the next time I am in town! Why can't all Indian buffets be this good???
(5)Bell A.
Amazing service & even better food. My party arrived an hour after our scheduled reservation due to the weather but we were still accommodated and treated kindly. Our server, Sean, was very attentive, kept our water glasses filled at all times. I order the shrimp biryani and it was very flavorful and spicy and the portion size was more than enough. The host was awesome and gave us desert and chai tea on the house. Would recommend and return.
(5)Utkarsh P.
The food here is amazing. Hell, the whole experience is great. From the welcoming host to the decor, the delicious smells from the food to the refreshing mango lassi, this place has it all.
(5)Dennis O.
Ok, I am picky about Indian food. My credentials? No, I'm not Indian. I'm white as all get out. But, I've been to India many times, dated an Indian, and had much home cooked Indian food. With that said, most North Indian food, which is what is served here, is like Chinese food in the sense that it's not what's served in the home country. Should that matter? Maybe, maybe not. The quest for authenticity is something that's prevalent a certain demographic, and I admit I sometimes fall prey to this attitude too. Ok, you're saying, is this guy going to tell me how the food tastes or what? This is Yelp, not some policy blog. The food is very good. Service is absolutely impeccable. Medium spicy is not spicy enough. Tell them to make it hot. I had the mango chicken curry, raita, and garlic naan. Standard fare. Curry was very tasty, although a little sweet. However it's designed for American palates, especially in this part of Maryland. So ends my treatise. Send me a comment and let me know what you think.
(4)Freddy M.
Price for the buffet is great since you can get all you can eat. The only down side I feel like it's water downed since its like unlimited food and it's not very authentic Indian yet more. American Indian. Their mango lassi was ok I just hate when it's not like a smoothie but it's already blended and then iced. It feels watered down. The pakora is the best
(3)Nathan C.
The food here was awesome, given my limited experience with Indian cuisine, that may not mean much to you, but the service here is one of the best in the area. The manager is very hands on and makes sure everything is up to standard.
(5)Jamal J.
Food was very flavorful!! service was great! Greeted with smiles as soon as you walk in and the manager makes you feel like you've have known each other for years! The atmosphere is a pretty romantic setting, with dimmed lights and candles on the table. Definitely a good place to bring a date or a anniversary dinner. I reccomend Royal Taj to anyone who loves Indian Cuisine you will not be dissappointed!
(4)Victoria W.
Out of all the Indian restaurants in the area Royal Taj beats them by a mile. Not only is the food amazing but the wait staff and management are so hospitable. They make sure you enjoy your meal and give you the opportunity to try new things. There buffet deal is the best bang for your buck but there dinner prices are not that bad because they make sure you get your fill. Love this place and recommend it to anyone who would like to try Indian food or who wants know a good Indian restaurant. They are naturally mild with their spices so nothing is too spicy which is great.
(5)Kimberly E.
We went back for the lunch buffet, which was I think $12.50 per person, plus we had a couple drinks ($5 each super-chilled Mich Ultra), and a Mango Lassi, which was this fruity-creamy blended concoction of yum for $3.95. The buffet was a pretty good spread, and it was just as busy (even busier) than our previous visit. I don't know if they serve off the menu at all during lunch, but with the variety that was there, I wouldn't think they would need to. Besides, buffet would be easier/faster/more efficient anyway. We got to try several things we had not had before, and we were happy with all of it. Binda was there again, and just as friendly as before. He gave us a big "welcome back" when we came in. It was around 1 on a Thursday afternoon when we got there, and we waited about 20 minutes for a table. Once we had our seats, we headed right to the food. Also a bonus, we met an Indian man who was traveling from Va up to NJ and stopped there for his lunch. He testified what we have said before about how authentic and delicious everything is, and added that it's a good thing this place isn't near his home because he'd be 400 pounds. The reduction of one star is simply that I realized I preferred the night time ambience rather than the hustling/bustling buffet line in the brighter daylight. **NOTE** They are moving their location from McGaw Road over to the Costco/Best Buy/ Houlihans shopping center in Elkridge, about 3 minutes from this location.
(4)JD D.
ROYAL TAJ ROYALLY RULES. AND THAT'S THE ROYAL TRUTH. Let me start with this: Indian food is my favorite and I eat it all of the time. I wanted to find a new place to go to for my birthday, and so I booked a table for 8 at Royal Taj. Overall I think it was one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had. Their execution was flawless. My reservation for 8 was ready upon my arrival and we were constantly attended to by the staff. The host was a very personable man who offered us free chai tea, cake, and even alcohol because it was my birthday! The food itself was top-notch. We dined family style and so I got to try a large variety of their menu items. I'm typically a lamb man when it comes to Indian, but everything I tasted here was delicious. Overall a perfect dining experience at a very reasonable price and my new favorite restaurant in MD. GO THERE NOW.
(5)Puja L.
It's funny...just recently I was talking to my family about how many things we let slide at an indian restaurant...because we have low expectations as far as customer service and business expertise. This may sound worse than I mean it to, I just mean we usually go to some restaurants for the food, and not the ambience, the service, or the attention to detail. Not so with Royal Taj. I was pleasantly surprised at how well run the restaurant is. I could probably have counted the time it took someone to refill my water glass in seconds instead of minutes. Very elegant, excellent service, and surprisingly wonderful food. Highly recommend!
(5)Gena T.
Love this place...food and service were excellent!!!! We made reservations and were 10 minutes late, but only had to wait a few more minutes and had a seat...this place was packed. But because we had to wait, they were going to give us a bottle of wine on the house. We weren't in the mood for wine, so at the end of our meal they gave us free Indian tea and my mango Lassi (also excellent) were complimentary!!!!!
(5)Shawn T.
The meal I just had here was the absolute best meal I have had in my life. Words fall short to describe what I just ate but I will do my best. This was my first time (and my mother's first time) ever eating Indian food so I won't be able to describe the absolutely incredible flavors that well, and we aren't sure what everything we were eating was, but every last thing was fantastic. Everything from the Papadam with three bowls of different dips served right as you sit down to the Gulab Jamun dessert at the end was absolutely indescribably fantastic. We got the Assorted Kabob Platter for an appetizer. I got the Chicken Mango Curry and a cup of the Mango Lassi and my mother got the Chicken Biryani. They gave us complimentary Gulab Jamun at the end. The Papadam and dips were amazing. There was one green dip that was somewhat spicy and very good. I'm not sure how to describe the flavor. The other dip was red and had cubes in it. I'm not sure what they were but it was amazing. It tasted very fresh. My favorite was the brown dip. It tasted almost like a barbecue sauce but it was sweet and had a very nice spicy kick to it at the end. The Kabob Platter was delicious. It came out sizzling on a platter with shrimp, lamb, two types of chicken, onions and red and green pepper. Everything was very good. The onions tasted like they were fresh from the garden and so did the peppers. The flavors and aromas were intoxicating. As I chewed there were multiple complimentary flavors that would come up and then make way for other flavors. The Chicken Mango Curry came out in a bowl and with a plate of white rice and peas. The chicken was amazingly cooked and incredibly flavorful. I savored every last bite. The Mango Lassi was just the right amount of sweet and so so very refreshing. It had a slice of an orange and a slice of pineapple on the rim of the cup. Both, like the onions and peppers from the appetizer, tasted like they had just been picked from a garden. My mother's dish, the Chicken Biryani, according to her was "like a flavor explosion that kept going on and on, like a blossom of exotic perfectly blended spices slowly unfurling. A perfect blend of spices. You'd bite in and get a blossom of flavor and then a second later, another blossom of flavor. It was an exotic experience." I have to agree with her. It was brilliant. And as what was left was being put into a to go box, the aromas coming off it made me want to take the box and eat every last bite right there. They gave us Gulab Jamun at the end, and I'm not sure I have any words for it. I've never had anything even remotely like it. There's nothing to compare it to. It was amazing. It was a ball of dense, but still delightfully light, bliss. It was soaked in a sweet honey-like warm syrup. As with everything else we had, it was indescribable. The entire meal was just one indescribable amazingly delicious bite after another. The service was completely out of this world. From the man that welcomed us at the front door to our waiter, everybody was so kind and great at their job. Our waiter recommended some amazing dishes and was always there if we needed to ask him a question, he made sure our water was always full and that we were having a good time. We were amazed when he brought us complimentary dessert. He made what was already an incredible experience so much more incredible. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very enjoyable. People were laughing and talking and having a great time all around us. Our waiter put our rice on our plates and even boxed up our food and put the boxes in a bag for us. He really went above and beyond and made us feel so welcome. We just left and I already can't wait to go back again!
(5)Enid C.
The food is good. The service is OUTSTANDING. The owner/manager treats you like his best chum, and he's got such a cool demeanor, you kind of wish you actually were. He leads a staff who are diligent about keeping your water full, bringing your food in a timely manner, and are very liberal with extras they provide on the house. We were offered complimentary house wine for the table, four free desserts, and a child-sized mango lassi for my 2-year-old nephew. These guys have certainly mastered the art of the customer experience! We felt like we were receiving exclusive VIP treatment - but that's just the way they do business at Royal Taj. Oh, and yeah, the food is pretty good too! Get the tandoori lamb chops, which are scrumptious on their own but also come with a delectable sauce to eat with your rice. The vindaloo can be made extremely spicy, as long as you specify how much. Saag paneer and chicken tikka masala are also solid choices. It's maybe not the most mind-blowing Indian food in the world, but hands down the best in the Columbia area. Make a reservation, particularly on weekend nights. This place gets poppin'. And if you're a guy? Prepare for the owner/manager to dap you REALLY hard on your way out. But just smile, suck it up, and dap right back - because you're a man and apparently that's just what men do.
(5)Carrie O.
Why are the best places always in strip malls??!!?? There's nothing more that I can add to these already outstanding ratings that really hasn't been said before. Hubs and I went for the lunch buffet on a busy Sunday afternoon and, for a moment, we really didn't think we were even going to be able to get seats because it was just that busy, and rightfully so. We didn't wait too terribly long, though, maybe 10 minutes tops - so don't let a crowd stop you. It's worth the wait, even if you have to wait a while. I promise. Twenty-five Washingtons here will get you and a friend some of the tastiest Indian cuisine around. I thought that Cafe Spice in Hunt Valley was good - and it is - but Royal Taj simply blows it away for one reason and one only - variety. There were so many choices available here and they were all just plain delicious. From the tikka masala to the alu gobi to the soft and tender naan, it's all here and it's all great. The kheer is some of the very best I have ever tasted in my life - and I'm very, very picky about kheer. We had complimentary chai tea, and let me tell you what - it's so, SO good. The staff were friendly, polite and very attentive - the manager came over a couple of times and asked us how everything was. Very personable service! Hubs and I will definitely be back for more of this buffet goodness. We'd probably take friends or company here for Indian instead of other places. Hands down, so far this is the BEST Indian restaurant we've come across in the area.
(5)jon l.
I think that the food here is excellent and the restaurant is very attractive on the inside. My issue was with the service earlier in the day when they were slow. In fact, I think there was only one other table at that time. When you go to a restaurant like this to relax, the last think you want to hear is them vacuuming. However that is just what they did. The service was slow and they were moving tables around and using a really loud shop vac to clean the dining room floor - all of it. As for the food, the lamb was so tender and delicious. I also tried a couple appetizers and they were equally delicious. I went to give it another try one night, but the line was out the door.
(2)Elsa M.
There's a reason Royal Taj is so highly rated, and it's not just the food, but the great customer service. When I arrived, I was a bit overwhelmed with how jam-packed it was. We could hardly get in the door, much less get in the door with a stroller. Somehow we managed though. Our reservation was for 6 people and a baby, but two canceled so we were a bit lighter than we thought we would be. They decided to put us in a booth as a result, but logistically, that was cumbersome with a baby still in a car seat (she hates the wooden high chairs). Still, we made it work. I didn't complain, but perhaps the annoyance was on my face, because the both the waiter and the owner made sure to come and check on our table several times. The owner even offered us all a complimentary glass of wine with our meal, which was very kind. What I came to notice, though, was that they were checking on every table with the same intention: to make sure everyone was ok and having a great experience at the restaurant. They weren't paying extra attention to us because of the baby or the cramped space, but paying extra attention to EVERYONE because they truly cared that everyone enjoyed themselves. I order a fabulous salmon dish and my husband got the shrimp. Both were MIND-BLOWINGLY GOOD! My husband was especially impressed that they were able to get his meal spicy enough for his taste (which is difficult for many places because they always worry it will be too much). The naan was pretty good as well (I liked the plain over the garlic). I ordered lentil soup for my baby daughter (she LOVES lentil soup), but this one was a bit thinner than I expected. She likes the texture of actual lentils and will not eat purees (not even apple sauce!). I mentioned that to the waiter, wondering if they could just bring me a few more lentils as a side, but he happily took it back for a different lentil soup that he thought would be thicker. It wasn't thick enough though, so I told him I would just pack it up (it would thicken up once re-heated, I knew). He happily took care of that for me. When we got the bill, they took off the soup altogether in addition to offering us the free glasses of wine - PLUS, they brought a little dessert for the table as well on the house. I mean, come on! Totally above and beyond. Not just that, since I made a reservation, the restaurant had my name and number and called just now to apologize again for the cramped space last night (they had a couple large parties) and invite me back in the future. Unbelievable! Of course we will be back - perhaps not on a Friday night, but definitely a different night of the week. First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to customer service. You can't ask for more than what they did for us last night. What could have been a really crummy night out, wound up being a fabulous experience with my family and friends.
(5)Mark M.
The best indian experience I have ever had Starting from the manager greeting every customer on the way in to the unbelievable food.
(5)Christopher W.
Flipping amazing place. Service is outstanding, food is out standing, price is excellent when factoring in everything. There was nothing I didn't like there, nothing. All food was served warm and delicious. If you are in question, leap on in.
(5)Alexander K.
We were in Columbia for a competition and wanted to look for a high quality lunch that was nearby the competition venue. Sure enough, yelp didn't disappoint and directed us to Royal Taj. We were here on Sunday at around lunch time and the restaurant was packed to the brim, a very telling sign that the establish is crowded for a reason. We were seated within 10 minutes and started. The host was extremely hospitable and checked in on us a few times while we were enjoying our lunch. The food here is very fresh and the flavors were outstanding. You can tell that there is care and pride in the preparation of each dish. Of course I cannot name the multitude of dishes that were available at the buffet, but they were many and plentiful. There is also rice and naan available to accompany the curries and so forth. A dish in particular we both enjoyed was the chili fish, I have not seen that option before at an Indian restaurant. The two desserts available were the gulab jamun and the rice pudding. I also ordered the mango lassi, which was excellent as well. To summarize, the value and quality of the food here is outstanding and incomparable to any buffet I have experienced. I would highly recommend coming here if you are in Columbia.
(5)R G.
This is a great find. Service was excellent. Anu was very helpful and courteous.....as it was our first time eating Indian cuisine. We were helped in navigating the menu and our food was outstanding. Try the bread as it is unique and really enhances the flavor of the meal. The atmosphere is like that of fine dining at a reasonable price. Definitely worth trying.
(5)Ipek S.
I've been here twice, great service in both times, food is four stars, did I mention the great service? Salty lassi is amazing, one of the best I've ever had. Chicken masala is great again, their lentil soup is awesome, samosas are in a crepe form and delicious... Overall everything's excellent, spicyness is mild so it's edible for everyone. Last but not least; there's always a line at the door but their wait time estimate is super accurate.
(4)